The next major in the golf world happens this weekend. The US Open has a long history and even better track record of amazing play. Last year Brooks Koepka was the winner leading by four strokes on the majestic Erin Hills course in Wisconsin. Can he repeat this year or will another have the honor of his name added to the US open trophy? Let’s look at some of bigger factors going into the weekend.
THE COURSE
This year the US Open is playing at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton NY. Founded in 1891. A challenging course with a rich history including being the setting for the US Open’s one hundredth anniversary of the open in 1995. The course has always proved a great challenge for those who make the invitation. Which is a main reason the course has been used and will continue to be used for many opens in the future.
THE PLAYERS
This year along with a plethora of experienced talented players, twenty amateur players have made the invitation to play. This is an amazing opportunity to show the world what you can do in your sport. While there have been amateurs who have won, it hasn’t happened in over eight decades. Truly, we are long overdue for a huge breakout during this event. But it also only goes to show the entire field is full of amazing players, with great skills.
Last week at the St Jude Classic, Dustin Johnson won the event. Capping his performance with a walk off eagle on the 18th hole. This was just one of many amazing shots that was made the whole weekend. Including several holed shots from bunkers around the course. Showing that no matter the drive, or the lie. Nothing in this game is a gimmie. And nothing will surprise us. Every week more and more drives are going over three hundred yards. Every week more shots are being made that seem almost impossible. The talent is growing expediently each week.
FAN INTERACTION
Golf has a wonderful time before each tournament. Fans can watch their favorite players in a much more relaxed setting than playing while worried about the score. A great number of young fans come to the courses and shout to their favorites. And even better, they players are wonderful with their fans. Signing autographs for them, chatting with them and basically making their day as can be seen in their eyes as they talk to them. Not every sport has this on a weekly basis so it is a wonderful thing to watch or be a part of.
PREDICTING WHO WILL WIN
Whether it is for betting, for bragging rights of being right or just liking to guess. It is getting harder and harder to predict who will win. Again this is because of an ever increasing group of players that can bring their game every week. Of course the big names like Tiger Woods, Phil Michelson, Rory Mcllroy get a lot of press. It isn’t always the favorites who win. A lot of talk this week is again about Tiger Woods and if this will be the week he breaks through for the win. Last week the only thing that stopped him was his putting. If he can tighten up the putting and keep driving and approaching as he has been. This could be his record setting major win.
LAST WORD
This is the second major of the year. It is also the best chance of the year so far to raise your ranking if you are a professional golfer. It will be another weekend of amazing shots and leader-board chasing. The more you watch, the more you are enthralled. Off we go.
Main image: Embed from Getty Images
