Why did Andy North skip playing in The British Open immediately after both times that he won the US Open?

Answer 1

Hmmm. I didn't realize he did! It seems some American players just don't like the courses where the British Open is played. Scott Hoch comes to mind. It's different from the parkland, manicured greens and fairways that are standard for the PGA. If you have ever seen St Andrews or Troon, you see a different game. Perhaps North wasn't comfortable playing the British courses. 1978, North's first win at the US Open, St Andrews was the venue and 1985, it was Royal Saint George's. To me, the British Open is really the most interesting of the 4 majors - I love the funky courses they play.