I hope for the exception too! Will keep an eye on it.
Yes, I am with you on both of those! Maybe he is a wildcard that makes a stellar performance at the open, but like you said the weather plays a crucial role. I am going out on a limb here, but I am not a fan of his and someone like Justin Rose's putting grips. It just screams inconsistency especially when you are experiencing tension and stress from leading the field and adrenaline pumping. I am with Gary Player, if I remember correctly, that the reverse grip is one of the best. But that is just my own opinion and to each their own.