In 2012, I wrote an article about the proper height to tee up your ball when hitting a driver. I used different sources and provided the 80% solution for the average golfer. If you read the research, you will find that most teaching professionals recommend a higher teed ball for making better contact, increased distance and more control. However, after 5 years of trying the various tee heights, I am not convinced there is one proper tee height for all the golfers. Are you? Continue reading
A Surprise Winner at The US Open
Before everyone starts to talk about Brooks Koepka again, this article is not about him. It is about a player who destroyed Shinnecock Hills on the Sunday of the US Open when the rest of the field struggled to break par. I am not sure what happened, but Tommy Fleetwood almost rose from the ashes like a fiery phoenix to snatch victory from the odds on favourites. Continue reading
Taking a Hiatus From Golf
Well the day has finally arrived; I have to take a break from golf. As many of you know, I am going through chemotherapy and yesterday I needed to have a PICC line installed. It is the nature of my treatments and it is the safest path forward for improved long-term personal health. I actually stopped playing last Thursday, but yesterday was the final step. So the real question for me today is: Now What! Continue reading
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!
The US Open and Father’s Day
What a great combination – Father’s Day and the US Open Championship. For most men, this is a fantastic combination. Many, I presume will take advantage of both by golfing in the morning and watching the action in the afternoon. Continue reading
