The first round of the US Open was full of surprises. The leaderboard is a list of whose who with the top names in golf shining in the warm Wisconsin sun. Wait, no that’s not it! Except for Rickie Fowler, the leaderboard looks exactly like any other tournament during the regular season. Given all the hype of the US Open, should we really be surprised? The more I think about it, the more I realize that the US Open is emblematic of how professional golf is changing.
US Open
The Long Ball At The US Open
The US Open starts today and I am reminded how great the field is at Erin Hills. These professionals are fantastic players with the ability to do amazing things with a golf ball. Over the next four days, the key to winning will rest in the long ball. Hitting the ball long and controlling it will be the deciding factor over the four days of intense pressure. Continue reading
Self-Doubt At the US Open
The US Open is just one day away. The field is set, except that Phil Mickelson still is hoping for a 4 hour rain delay, and the course is being prepared. It was all over the news yesterday that the USGA trimmed the fescue. We are not sure if this was their original plan or they were forced to because of all the whining by some of the pros. Regardless, Erin Hills is going to play tough, especially around the greens.
US Open Musings
The US Open is upon us! It is going to be exciting and frustrating all at the same time. Pundits think the big hitters have the advantage; I believe that a bigger hitter is going to win, but not for the reasons you might think. I predict Dustin Johnson is going to win because he will keep his ball in play more than the rest of the field.
This post, however, is not about what I think, but what the pros think about their upcoming challenges. Continue reading
The Golf Mutter!
You are playing a course that is kicking your butt. It is long and challenges your every shot. The rough is crazy thick and the greens are so fast that it is like putting on your kitchen table. Wait this sounds exactly like Oakmont! However, that is a different conversation!
When playing the tough courses our mind shifts from focusing on the positive to hoping we don’t make any large numbers! The round slowly starts to erode our confidence and our winning mindset becomes a damage control approach to golf. And this is when the golf mutter starts!
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The Grateful Golfer 