Category: US Open

Good Job USGA

6/19/2016

Well, the USGA managed to add more drama to the final round of the US Open…albeit unnecessary drama. As if a crowded leaderboard full of players looking for their first major championship victory wasn’t enough, they had to place a cloud over the back nine for all competitors with the ‘well, maybe it was a penalty’ on Dustin Johnson’s 5th hole.

To review, as Dustin Johnson was preparing to address his putt on the 5th green, his ball moved slightly. He spoke to his playing partner Lee Westwood and the walking rules official with his group and it was deemed that Johnson did not cause the ball to move, which means he just plays the ball from the new spot and there is no penalty.

Fast forward about an hour and a half and all of sudden, the USGA informs Johnson that his situation on the 5th green will be under review….after the round! Are you kidding me?

First, the USGA rules official with the group spoke with Johnson and made the ruling on the spot that it was deemed Johnson did not cause the ball to move. Lee Westwood agreed with the ruling. At major championships, there is a rules official walking with each group so player do not have to wait for rulings during the course of play. Next…if there was a question as to if Johnson caused the ball to move, aren’t there enough officials hanging around (like those who went with earlier groups in the day) that some could go to Fox Sports and look at the video to see if he did cause the ball to move. I understand you may want the player there to discuss, but it would be better for everyone involved (Johnson and the field) if you could bring some resolution…now that you have doubts about the original ruling your official made?

The USGA totally mishandled the situation. As I write this, it hasn’t been determined if it was a penalty…but the Rules Officials totally botched the handling of this ruling and it affected everyone playing on Sunday afternoon. It is our national championship and the players, fans and the tournament deserve better from the people running the event.

Yes Jordan, You are a Slow Player

6/17/2016

As I sit here watching (yes, it's Fox so I have the sound down) Jordan Spieth walk up the 18th fairway to (finally) finish his 1st round at Oakmont, one has to wonder which takes longer,,,Spieth's preparation for a shot or pouring a bottle of Heinz 57 ketchup? Spieth reminds me of a baseball player growing up. Those who follow baseball will remember a player for the Cleveland Indians, Mike Hargrove. He took so long to get into the batters box for each pitch that he was nicknamed the 'Human Rain Delay.' Watching Jordan sometimes reminds me of Hargrove.

Yes...Spieth is a great player and has in some ways, unlimited ability and potential. But let's go while you are young! It seems he never has a shot that can't be discussed from twenty different perspectives with his caddie, including the most straight forward players. Tick-Tock, tick-tock! Of course, when the shot doesn't turn out like how the the calculus they both did to predict the shot, we get the commentary, astonishment and bemusement while they stand there and stare at where the ball ended up.

Of course, the most hilarious aspect of all of this is when the Rules Officials have the audacity to say, 'Excuse me, Jordan, your group is a hole and a half behind...you are on the clock'. Spieth acts as if they just insulted his mother. He seems to react as if 'I'm performing quantitative analysis and that takes time...so get off my back!' He actually seem to argue with a European Tour official earlier this year in Dubai when he was put on the clock and likewise at the Masters in April.

Now it didn't help Jordan at Oakmont that he is paired with the 'Mad Scientist' Bryson Dechambeau and Zach Johnson, who is no speed-demon either. But there is a trend, and Spieth is the common thread when it comes to slow play.

Yes Jordan, , you are playing for huge amounts of money, major championships and your livelihood...but do us all a favor, admit your shot preparation is slow, don't act incredulous when you get put on the clock and most of all...speed up!

US Open Week

6/14/2016

During the US Open, you are going to hear about the long rough and tight fairways. However, when it comes to Oakmont, the most challenging aspect of the golf course may be the lightning fast greens the players will face. Potentially rolling at 14-15 on the Stimpmeter, the players will have to navigate the slickest greens they will play all year.

So in the light of what you will see this week at Oakmont, I have put together some of my keys to playing on fast greens.

Stay below the hole: Well, this is an obvious statement. But the thought behind this that you must consider where on the green you leave yourself the easiest putt when you are thinking about your approach shot from the fairway. Consider the slope of the green and the positions from where the most difficult putt(s) would be and then try to play away from those positions on your approach shot.
Lighten your Grip Pressure: This ties in to my next key, but make sure you’re your grip the putter with a bit less pressure than normal. The lighter grip pressure will not only give you more relaxed muscles in your hands and arms for better feel and touch, but it will also help you make a smoother stroke.
Let the Momentum of the Backswing start the Forward Swing: What do I mean by this? Well, too many times I see players get too quick with the putter as they want to make sure they don’t decelerate. Especially on fast greens, you almost want to feel the momentum of the backswing start the forward motion of the putter head. Don’t feel like you have to force the putter head forward. Think of it like a tennis ball attached to the end of a piece of rope…if you swing the ball to the right, the momentum of the ball will come back to left on its own…think of your putting stroke this same way.
Play More Break: This one may be obvious, but more often than not, players still underplay and under-read greens. Since the ball will be rolling at a slower speed, the amount of break will increase on putts.

Make sure you get on the practice green prior to the round to get a good feel for the speed of the greens. With a little practice and concentrating on the keys above, you will be ready for Oakmont-fast greens.

Good Job USGA

Yes Jordan, You are a Slow Player

US Open Week

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