It’s that time of year that the world’s greatest golfers flock to the States to determine our National Champion. The US Open is truly what the title implies…an Open Championship. Many of the world’s top players had to submit their application to The USGA just like many talented amateurs and battle their way through local qualifiers in hopes of earning a spot in The 2010 US Open. Annually, The USGA carves its chosen venue into a true test of will, persistence, and grit. Simply, The US Open is not designed to punish but identify the world’s top players.
After nearly a decade, The Open makes its way back to Pebble Beach. Naturally, Pebble is considered one of more picturesque and respected venues in the world however many question the length of Pebble as a legitimate US Open venue. In my candid opinion, length has nothing to do with the difficulty of this venue. Most of the greens at Pebble Beach are less than 5000 square feet. Let’s not forget approximately eight holes border the ocean on the right. You miss the fairway even slightly right, you are on the beach. Many detractors of Pebble point to Tiger’s dominance in The 2000 US Open but most people forget 2nd place was 3 over par. The USGA set up is simple. The farther you miss the fairway, the higher your score will be. Steve and I were honored to have Chuck Dunbar, Head Golf Professional at Pebble Beach, on the show last Thursday. Depending on conditions, Chuck believes +2 to -2 will win The Open. I honestly believe most of the players will take their chances with even par. Even though length is not an issue, solid ball striking and scrambling will be rewarded.
Here are a few questions I have been asked regarding The 2010 US Open:
Who is the Dark Horse? I like Tom Watson mainly because of his ball striking. Taking length out of the equation will be beneficial to Watson’s chances. After his near miss at The British Open, I like his chances at Pebble Beach. Does Watson have one last dash of greatness? He is not a great putter but 18 pars will put him in contention. I may be reaching on this one but what a popular win this would be.
How will Tiger perform? I think we can all safely agree his win here in 2000 was an anomaly. Remember, he did not have a single three putt and 2nd place was +3. You may have noticed but Tiger is going through a major overhaul in personal and professional life. The question may be, will Tiger make the cut? Currently, his ball striking is erratic at best. Missed fairways at The Open this year will almost be a penalty shot. Generally Tiger can depend on strength in these situations however he is still suffering with neck and back issues. Even with Tiger’s struggles, don’t underestimate his will and competitive spirit. No one grinds it out through a tough round better than Tiger. He may not win next weekend but don’t be surprised if he is still hanging around Sunday afternoon.
Can Phil get his first US Open? This may be Phil’s time. Phil LOVES the Monterey Peninsula. He has won the AT&T which is a feat accomplished by several past US Open champions at Pebble. Phil has already arrived at Pebble to prepare for this year’s Open. If Phil can learn to occasionally play conservative (which is tough for Phil), he may avoid being a bridesmaid for the 6th time.
Will Lee Westwood win his first major? Many of the experts are picking Westwood based on his recent play. Westwood drives the ball extremely straight which will prove to be an asset at Pebble Beach. Lee’s aquiles heel will be his ability to scramble. He tends to struggle around the green on difficult chip and pitch shots. Scrambling to save par at a US Open is a requirement to be successful however Westwood has performed well at The US Open in the past. As much as I am a fan of Lee Westwood, I like his chances better at Augusta National.
My choice to win the 2010 US Open is a simple one, Dustin Johnson. This pick is in no way a bias pick. This pick has nothing to do with fact Johnson is a fellow Alum of THE COASTAL CAROLINA UNIVERSITY or South Carolinian. This pick was based on research and merit alone. After all, he has won the last two AT&T’s at Pebble Beach. Look for my fellow Chanticleer to follow up Lucas Glover’s 2009 performance and keep the hardware in the State of SC.
Listen to our interview this week with Pebble Beach Head Golf Professional, Chuck Dunbar. Many thanks to Chuck for his energy and efforts:
Please feel free to give is your insights at www.facebook.com/weretalkinggolf.
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. He can be reached via email at chris@weretalkinggolf.com
I have two events in the game of golf for which I share an unbridled passion. The Masters and The Ryder Cup. Just like The Masters, it is never to never too early to start talking Ryder Cup. In 1991, I had the distinct pleasure of attending my first Ryder Cup at Kiawah Island. Boasting the World’s Top Players, The Ryder Cup combines skill, teamwork, competition, and patriotism. When you take a player’s passion and combine it with a love for his country, you have a recipe for some of the most storied matches in the history of the game. Simply put, The Ryder Cup is the Olympics of Golf. Europe has dominated the competition in recent history. Although The US traditionally has the more talented team on paper, The European teams have consistently proved the sum is greater than the parts.
This week the PGA makes its much anticipated yearly stop at one of the Tour’s most respected venues, Quail Hollow. Often referred to as a “Mini-Major”, Mastering Quail Hollow’s signature bumps and turns will require every shot in your bag. I was honored and privileged to interact with many of the players as Steve and I walked the course on Tuesday. Augusta National is ultimately known for its beauty and grace but Quail Hollow may run a close second. As we rapidly approach The Players and US Open, we find a lot of interesting story lines at the conclusion of Round 1.
Tiger Woods has committed to play The Players and The AT&T National this week. In “Un-Tiger” fashion, Woods commitments came much earlier than usual. Tiger indicated the early commitments were influenced by The PGA’s need to improve security and staff for his 2010 events. Could this be the new found respect than is suddenly expected of Tiger? In addition, Woods apologized for his bad language from The Masters. Should he also apologize for not shaving during practice rounds? Maybe backstage at Nickelback is not the best environment for his recovery.
After just one more tournament, Lorena Ochoa will hang up her golf clubs and embark on the next stage of her life. Some of the greatest players in the men’s game never won 2 majors and 27 tournaments in their entire career. Ochoa accomplished all of these victories by the ripe old age of 28. What is in store for Lorena after her sudden retirement? She wants to devote more time to her step children and charities. Simply put, “This is the right time”.
Throughout the next three days, I will give you my thoughts and opinions regarding The Masters. The world sat still for the last 144 days while Tiger Woods did not swing a club on a competitive level, Ernie Els rose from the ashes to win two early season events, and Freddie Couples lapped the field on the Champions Tour. I said earlier in the week this would be the most competitive Masters over the past two decades. Round one is in the books and my predication just may become a reality. Simply put, the field came to get it done this week. The early surprise round belongs to the original TW (not Tiger Woods), Tom Watson. Guys, we may be in for a photo finish. Here are my thought on some players of note:
