June 20, 2011 · 12:50 am
McIlroy bested the field by shooting a record 16 under par; Photo By: Mike Sagmeister
Heading into the 111th U.S. Open at Congressional there was no clear cut favorite in the field that analysts or fans were picking to win America’s national championship. The absence of Tiger and the fact that only one American (Mickelson) had won one of the last six majors left many in doubt as to what to expect from what is historically considered the toughest 72 holes in golf. As the 2011 U.S. Open unfolded, big names such as Mickelson, Stricker, Watson, Donald, Els, etc., all faltered, as Congressional punished most golfers’ slightest errors. Surprisingly though, it was Rory McIlroy who asserted himself from the first day of the tournament as the one golfer who could not only conquer Congressional, but devour it.
Having mentally stumbled Continue reading →
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June 16, 2011 · 12:42 am
Congressional Country Club's 18th hole & Clubhouse; Photo By: Keith Allison
Thursday marks the beginning of America’s national golf championship, the 111th U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland. It also marks the first time in recent memory the almighty golf prognosticators of the world have no clear cut “favorite” to win the Open. Gone is Tiger Woods who is still limping both physically and mentally through life. None of the flashy promising young guns like Rory McIlroy or Rickie Fowler have shown the ability to take their game to the next level on a consistent basis. Potential American heroes such as Nick Watney and Dustin Johnson have fallen short in recent majors, while no one seems willing to bet the farm Bubba Watson’s “Bubba Ball” nor the consistently brilliant, but boring Matt Kuchar. And heaven forbid an American prognosticator predicts any foreign player like Luke Donald, Ian Poulter, or K.J. Choi to win.
Therefore the mass media reports that the tournament is wide open and that a winner could come from anywhere in the field. Finally(!), words of wisdom coming for the golf prognosticators gallery (read my post on yearly golf predictions and you’ll understand my reaction).
Not being a believer in golf predictions here are a few tidbits to contemplate while enjoying the 111th U.S. Open (coverage begins at 10am EST on ESPN and Direct TV 701-705):
- Congressional has been home to four PGA Tour events; the Booz Allen Classic in 2005 and the AT&T National from 2007-2009. Of the players who competed in these tournaments and are playing in the U.S. Open, only Continue reading →
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