As I spend time with family and friends on July 4th, I realize how appreciative I am to live in the most wonderful country in the world. We are all fortunate to live our lives in a most gracious, giving nation. We get to experience an endless number of freedoms and privileges which are sometimes taken for granite.
Due to my patriotic bias, I firmly believe the United States host the most covited and prestigious golf championship in the world. Each year the USGA handcrafts a masterpiece designed to test a player’s will, shot making, patience, and intestinal fortitude. This event is none other than The United States Open Championship. The USGA does not attempt to punish but identify the world’s top players. As always, The 2010 US Open at break taking Pebble Beach was no exception. Once again, Kudos to The USGA.
As a proud and staunch American, I am always open to potential change if I feel it offers improvement. This includes our dynamic governing body of golf, The USGA. As The Open Championship approaches at St. Andrews, I believe The Open qualification committee has one policy in the place that may beneficial to The USGA.
Based on his stellar play over the last six weeks, Justin Rose has officially earned his entry into The Open Championship at St. Andrews. After his win at The Memorial several weeks ago, he did not receive the same consideration for The US Open. Yes, I realize that he had an opportunity in a regional qualifier two days later however a grueling weekend and the fatigue of travel did not help his chances. With that being said, I will always be a fan of the local/regional qualifiers but it may be time for a small amendment to the qualification process.
Justin found himself qualified for The Open at St. Andrews based on his recent play. There is a little known a qualification criterion that states the Top 10 money earners over a six week period starting with The Memorial are awarded a spot in The US Open. Does it not make sense to reward players for their recent play? In my opinion, this six week process rewards players for six weeks of worthy play and acts as a mini qualifier within itself. Each year we find three or four players on the outside looking in at The US Open. If you are a top money earner during a six week time frame leading up to The US Open, should you not be rewarded with an entry to The US Open? Is recent success not a relevant factor?
To be honest, I am still somewhat torn on a potential change. Personally, I have so much respect and admiration for The USGA. Were Talking Golf would love to hear you thoughts on a potential amendment to The US Open qualification process. Please give me us your thoughts at www.facebook.com/weretalkinggolf or in the “comments” section below this column.
Chris Hill is the CMO of WereTalkingGolf Productions. He writes weekly several times on WereTalkingGolf.com at Bogie’s Banter. He can also co hosts 3 national golf radio shows weekly on WereTalkingGolf Radio and ESPN 1440am in Upstate SC. He can be reached via email at chris@weretalkinggolf.com.
