The USGA needs to cut the crap and figure it out. The US Open is supposed to be tough. Let’s give the people what they want.
Thursday’s Opening Round Left Something to Be Desired
Yesterday’s opening round was a complete joke. For weeks, we have been promised one of the most challenging US Opens we have seen in years. As an example, earlier this week, the superintendent was quoted as saying he thought the winning score would be somewhere around +8.
(Quick aside, +8 was the winning score the last time the US Open was played at Winged Foot. Way to go out on a limb bud.)
And yet, after yesterday’s first round, Justin Thomas sat atop the leaderboard at five under par.
I mean, “What are we doing here Harry?”
Where was the carnage? “The blood, the sweat, the tears.”
21 players posted scores under par in Thursday’s opening round. TWENTY ONE.
Out of a 144 man field that doesn’t seem like a lot, but consider this. During the five other times the US Open was played at Winged Foot, only once did anyone post a score of 66. In yesterdays round, Justin Thomas posted 65 and Patrick Reed posted 66.
The opening round was setup way too easy.
Now let me be clear, if I went out there tomorrow and played the course in the exact same conditions as round one, I would have a tough time breaking 90. But here’s the thing, I don’t play golf for living and I don’t posses the type of power that is common place on tour these days.
The US Open is supposed to be the toughest test in golf. This week is supposed to be about protecting par, and what we saw yesterday was anything but that.
Round Two of the US Open Put US Back On Track
On the other hand, today’s second round was exactly what I was expecting to see. In that regard, the USGA went out there and totally redeemed themselves.
By my count, only 3 guys shot under par today. Now that, is more like it.
Listen, I love seeing tour pros go low just as much as the next guy. However, for one week a year, it is nice to see some guys struggle. It’s nice to see tour pros be the slightest bit relatable.
I am not sure I will ever know what it is like to shot -30 over a four day period like DJ did at the BMW. But I do know what it is like to need a par coming up 18 to break 80. It is nice to see tour pros have to walk in my shoes from time to time.
On to the Weekend at the US Open
Heading into the weekend, here is how the top ten currently stands.
To see the full leaderborad follow this link -> US Open Leaderboard
I expect US Opens to be stern, but fair. The opening round was a cake walk, but the second round got us back on track. If the USGA can continue that trend into the weekend, I think golf fans will get exactly what we were promised.
And as always,
Enjoy the chase!