Sometimes persistence is really just ignorance. This struck me as I watched the movie, “Phantom of the Open,” where an English crane operator that has never played golf enters the British Open. My wife was struck with his persistent attitude of never giving up. However, I found it unbelievable that he would insist on playing with professionals, thinking that he was one himself. He shot a 121, not bad considering that television cameras and spectators watched him make a fool of himself. Well, ignorance is bliss, so he persistently entered again and again under a false name. 

It is a heartwarming, true story about a game that tends to be a bit stuffy. It’s a skill that I could certainly never master and have great admiration for those who play it well. I’ve been there – playing with others who are much more talented and feeling embarrassed to the point of wanting to quit. However, what others thought never fazed him simply because of his ignorance. His name, Maurice Flitcroft, became synonymous with bad golf. In fact, a Grand Rapids fundraising tournament was founded in his honor with the highest score proclaimed the winner. It was when they paid for him and his family to attend where we see the bliss that resulted from his ignorance. 

The rules for entry have undoubtedly become stricter since Maurice Flitcroft made a mockery of British Open officials. However, using the term “Open” rather than “Invitational” certainly left the door ajar for this situation to unfold. In theory, it is “open” to all, i.e. professional and amateur golfers, but certainly not intended for first-time players. Most everyone is aware of this, apparently except for Maurice Flitcroft who proved in this movie that ignorance is bliss.