The golf season has well and truly arrived with the U.S. Open set to kick off tomorrow at Chambers Bay in Washington. With a ton of talk surrounding the season’s second major it’s an event sure to bring drama to your Father’s Day weekend and we can’t wait! Here’s a look at our top 5 reasons to watch.
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After all the whining, how will the pros really handle conditions at Chambers Bay?
If you’ve been following the news surrounding the upcoming U.S. Open at Chambers Bay you’ve surely heard the moaning coming from a number of players about the condition and set up of the course. So will it be as bad as some are making it out to be?
In May USGA executive Mike Davis, the man in charge of setting up the course this week, got under the skin of a few players when he said,
“I would contend that there is no way — no way — a player would have success here at Chambers Bay unless he really studies the golf course and learns it. The idea of coming in and playing two practice rounds and having your caddie just walk it and using your yardage book, that person’s done [and] will not win the U.S. Open.”
Leaving world number one Rory McIlroy to quip, “What’s Mike Davis’ handicap?”
Ian Poulter got in on the bashing action stating on twitter in April, “Well several players have played Chambers Bay in prep for US Open. The reports back are its a complete farce. I guess someone has to win.”
So what’s the issue with this 8-year-old course? The links-style course isn’t your typical “American” design and will challenge the best golfers in the world with changing elevations, day-to-day hole modifications and greens some players have reported aren’t of “championship golf course” standard.
The makings of a difficult test many are already complaining about, this should be fun to watch!
Could Phil Mickelson finally bag his elusive major and complete his career grand slam come Sunday?
Phil Mickelson might be heading into the twilight of his professional career but that doesn’t mean he’s given up hope on securing the last major he needs to complete his career grand slam.
It would be quite the Father’s Day gift for a man known for prioritising his family’s needs alongside his busy golf schedule. He flew home to San Diego two days before the 2013 U.S. Open to attend his daughter’s eighth grade graduation, arriving back to Merion only the night before his first round tee-off.
The Callaway player has finished runner-up at the U.S. Open an astonishing six-times! Although he’s currently ranked number 42, Mickelson’s last two major appearances have been quite successful with the golfer finishing T2 at the Masters in April and 2nd at last year’s PGA Championship.
The links-style course at Chambers Bay might also play to Lefty’s advantage. Unlike some of his competitors it’s a venue Mickelson doesn’t seem too unhappy with.
Telling reporters last week, “I really like the golf course. I think what Mike Davis said a few weeks ago is really true. If you’re going to be ready for this tournament, it takes a lot more time to learn the golf course than just a couple of days.”
Adding, “I’m pleased I’ve developed a game plan for each hole and how I’m going to get to certain pins.”
Mickelson, who turned 45 on Tuesday, might not be a bad bet after all. Just ask last year’s winner Martin Kaymer.
“He’s [Mickelson] under the radar, not many people talk about him. Apparently he’s on his back nine in his career and all those things,” Kaymer told reporters earlier this week. “But I played with Phil a few times in the past and knowing how aggressive he can play and how good and how creative he is on golf courses, I think he will have a good chance.”
Fun fact: The oldest winner of the U.S. Open was Hale Irwin in 1990, at 45 years and 15 days. If Mickelson wins come Sunday he’ll be the second oldest by just 10 days!
Will it be a European triumph once again?
European golfers are proving they’re worthy opponents for their American counterparts. Just look at the last three Ryder Cups. In terms of the U.S. Open results, the last five winners have all been from Europe.
With feedback that Chambers Bay plays very much like a course found on this side of the Atlantic will it be number six for Europe come Sunday?
Any chance Tiger Woods could actually win the thing?
The simple answer is probably not but we’ve learned to never-say-never when it comes to the former number one. Although Woods is still struggling with his long game Jason Day gave reporters some incite earlier this week into the Nike player’s current strengths.
“Tell you what, if he could get on the fairway, he’d probably be back to where he was,” said Day. “His iron play is just ridiculous right now, it’s really special. The driver and the 3-wood ... the 3-wood is OK, the driver gets a little wide sometimes. But I think that’s the biggest thing for him right now is to really kind of get on the fairway. His short game looks pretty good.”
Day also stated he thought part of the American’s problem was a mental one.
“When it comes to golf, it’s very difficult because you could have all the tools in the world but, if you really don’t want to be there or if there’s something that’s off course that’s playing on your mind . . . the game of golf is so mental and, if you don’t have everything in the right order, it’s very difficult to win golf tournaments. I learned that very early on.”
Woods is coming off a career-worst performance at the Memorial Tournament, where the 39-year shot a third round 13-over-85 and finished at 14-over. Leaving many to question whether his game will ever fully recover.
Giving us a glimpse into his state-of-mind in Ohio, Woods later stated, “This is a lonely sport. The manager isn't going to come in and bring in a lefty or a righty. You just have to deal with it.”
So will the golfing legend be able to just “deal with it” in Washington this week to win his first major since winning the U.S. Open in 2008? Or are we in to see him fall even further than his current 195th world ranking?
What better way to spend Father’s Day than cheering on your favourite pros with your dad?
The U.S. Open always reminds us that it’s time to honour the special dads in our lives. Whether you’re enjoying the game together or chatting about it afterwards, this major puts golf at the forefront of the holiday so why not use it to your advantage?
Check out our special
Father’s Day selection at GolfOnline now. Or pop into our flagship store in Stanmore to try out the latest in golf equipment, apparel, shoes, accessories and more. Giving you the ultimate opportunity to spoil Dad this weekend.
