Several years ago, my brother-in-law commented how much he was looking forward to the US Open. I replied that I was too, but that I was really stoked about the British Open ("The" Open), and that it was by far my favorite major.

He looked at me sceptically, as if I'd said something traitorous, or at least vaguely anti-American, and asked why.

Well, here's why in my book, The Open ranks well above the US Open:

First, The Open is 35 years older than the US Open. And the courses that The Open is played on today were nearly all included in the original rota. Many of the classic US Open venues have been abandoned today, mainly because they are too short by today's standards.

Second, wathcing The Open allows us Yanks the chance to see players other than the Fab Five or Big four (or whatever else you want to call them) play. You know, there are a lot of amazing golfers in the world, and not all of them play on the PGA Tour.

Third, The Royal & Ancient doesn't trick up their Open courses like the USGA. Remember what the USGA did to Shinnecock last year in an utterly stupid ploy to "protect par?" It was appalling.

Fourth, The Open is often played on The Old Course at St. Andrews, including this year's Open. Come on. Pebble Beach has 6 great holes and all, but it is empty as a supermodel's head compared to the wisdom of The Old Course.

Fifth, underdogs win The Open more often. Maybe this is un-American, too, but I like to see underdogs win, just as long as the underdog isn't a jerk (like Rory Sabbatini) and the favorite a nice guy (like Phil Mickelson). The quirkiness of the courses and the weather ensure that EVERYONE has a fighting chance, even Paul Lawrie and Todd Hamilton, not just Woods, Mickelson, Els, Singh, and Goosen.

Sixth, there is just something breath-taking about a links course. The US Open will never be played on a links course.

So enjoy the US Open as it kicks off today. I know I will...just not as much as The Open.

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