The Open 08: Key Questions

Padraig Harrington acknowledges the crowds as he marches after his second Open

Now that the wind has abated, the rain soaked in and the dust has settled on the 137th Open Championship, time to reflect on what the result will mean to golf in the light of Padraig Harrington claiming successive Claret Jugs.

This is becoming a European major habit and with Tiger Woods sidelined probably up to next year's US Masters at Augusta, there's never a better time to think positively about the prospects for maybe a British name on a major trophy for the first time since Paul Lawrie emerged from almost nowhere to win the Open at Carnoustie nine long years ago.

So let's look at a few questions raised from this week's championship at Royal Birkdale and let's get your thoughts on the forum.

Will it mean a sudden rush to join golf clubs which are desperate for new members and currently wallowing in the credit crunch and economic downturn?

On my way to a golfing uncle's 80th birthday party recently I passed at least three golf clubs on my 90 mile journey with 'vacancies for members' signs at the entrance.

Only a couple of years ago, most private clubs took pride in their waiting lists - the longer the better and the more status it gave them.

Ross Fisher with kids from the Golf Foundation

It means that clubs are populated by too many ageing golfers whom, by tradition, whinge about slow play - though many are causing it - and aren't spending enough on equipment or clubhouse catering?

Do the kids really get Harrington's emphatic win or would they rather call him up as a digitized figure on their computer game?

Much as the dedicated Golf Foundation and some schools have tried to promote the game as a fun activity - getting famous players on board like Tony Jacklin and Ross Fisher this week at Royal Birkdale to help spread the word - I doubt many parents see the benefits of golf as a regular participation sport.

Even Poulter would have beaten Tiger

Would Tiger have won if he'd been here?

The question's at best hypothetical and at worst irrelevent. Professional golfers can only play against who and what's put in front of them. Would he have beaten Braid or Vardon in their prime using hickories on sluggish greens?

Granted Tiger would have had a presence and a purpose that would have had most looking for second place prize-money at best but Rocco Mediate has proved with his performance at the US Open, that with firm resolve, talent and a little bit of luck even the journeyman can stay with albeit a wounded Tiger.

Easy to say in retrospect but I doubt even a fully fit Tiger would have stayed with Harrington - or even Ian Poulter - in those brutal conditions.

Even Tiger 'stingers' - those low, driven 2-irons in which he specialises when the breeze gets up to around 10 mph - would have still left him too much to do in a fickle 30-40 mph wind. And with a fragile temper and a baying, though knowledgeable, home crowd he'd have been lucky to survive the top 30.

Monty - not 'a pick' now

Has Poulter got a major in him?

I have the greatest respect for Ian Poulter, especially after his performance this week. To dress and act as he does, like a peacock on Pro Plus, and then deliver a golf game of such quality, deserves a huge amount of credit.

In any other era he'd be compared to Payne Stewart and at least capable of emulating the late great showman's two majors. But I fear that might be the closest he may get to the ultimate achievement although he has the ability to win several world renowned tournaments including flagship WGC, PGA Tour and European Tour events.

What will this do for Europe's Ryder Cup chances?

Harrington was very impressive not only in the unique skills he showed but also in the manner of his victory and the way he handled himself. He has effectively eclipsed Colin Montgomerie as the general of Europe's Ryder Cup side, to the point where Faldo has finally dismissed the tetchy Scot from his plans.

Indeed, even the charismatic Sergio Garcia, already a winner this year on the US Tour, might not make it into the line-up such is his putting, which can be woeful at times. The captain might well use his omission as a further shrug of dismissal to the opposition, in effect saying: 'we're so good, we can even leave out the winner of your most important event outside a major.'

I believe Faldo will go for Poulter if he hasn't quite made it on the official rankings and one of the Swedes who performs so well on the US Tour - Carl Petersson, Freddie Jacobson, Daniel Chopra or even Richard E Johnson who won a US Tour event this week.

There are tough, but fascinating times ahead for golf. But don't just take my word for it, give us your opinions on the forum.