The US Open Final Thoughts

Congrats to Brooks Koepka in his second US Open win. He is the first player since Curtis Strange to win back to back. This is an amazing feat considering the field, course and conditions. I am amazed by the 16 stroke difference from 2017, I wonder what caused such a difference in his score 😉!

I have three final thoughts about the US Open. The first has to do with the USGA. Every year they make the headlines about their approach to ‘making the course tough’ to fit the their standards. And every year they seem to miss the mark. Saturday afternoon at Shinnecock is a perfect example. I have played on lightning fast courses before, but Shinnecock was ridiculous. The USGA admitted the course ‘got away from them’; I am not sure what that means because a course should not require that much management over 4 days. I will admit I am not an expert, however if that much care is required over such a short period of time, the USGA needs to revisit their processes.

Back to back wins by Brooks is amazing. I am happy to see him step up and handle the pressure of the final round at a Major; I hope this equates to stronger play over the rest of the season. Except for Dustin Johnson, the results of the field demonstrate that there really is no dominant player in the Majors. The days of Tiger Woods like dominance are over and every Major is up for grabs. I like the state of golf and find if exciting to see who steps up each time.

Lastly, a big shout out to Tommy Fleetwood. Shooting a minus 7 when everyone else struggled to break par is amazing! I bet he never thought he would shoot 4 birdies in a row on the back 9. He is probably doing the ‘what if’ thinking game for the first 3 rounds. Regardless, it is an amazing score on a crazy tough track.

The US Open is over for another year. As always, it had some highlights, controversy, and stellar play. If the USGA could get out of its way, it would be the best Major of the year. Unfortunately, in my humble opinion, it is 4th. Thoughts?

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!

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2 thoughts on “The US Open Final Thoughts

  1. Jim, the US Open is also fourth on my majors list. Used to be second IMO behind only The Masters but about 10-15 years ago something changed. Now they just can’t get out of their own way with these stupid controversies. Augusta, the R&A, and PGA are simply more professional in their setup and organization. There were a couple of US Opens where the winner was 7-over, so courses can be setup tough but fair, but I’m mystified as to what the USGA is doing and what the tournament has evolved into.

    Maybe they get it right next year. . .

    Thanks,

    Brian

    Liked by 1 person

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