Brooks Koepka was the winner. But who was the loser?
Erin Hills looked beautiful, modern and classic at the same time, but a bit vulnerable when the wind wasn't their to defend her. Scoring records were set, destroyed, matched, etc. 7800 yards never looked or played so short. Players hit IRON into 18, the 670 yard, par 5 finishing hole.
The Top 3 players in the world missed the cut. I will give the defending champ, who had been playing amazing golf up until he stumbled (literally) at Augusta, a free pass as he and Paulina welcomed their second child into their lives. He doesn't get a free pass on little Johnson's name....River?
Jordan at least made the cut and had one of the best rounds of the day Sunday whilst the wind was a blowin. Keep an eye on that kid when he ventures across the pond this year.
Did the USGA lose? Well they did avoid any ruling disasters so they have that going for them. I watched a fair amount of coverage throughout the week (and by fair I mean a lot) and one thing I noticed was the lack of close up shots. Well played USGA. Well played. However, they must be walking away feeling empty as the players had little to complain about during the championship. Sure before the event there was some grumbling about the fescue (which Rory put a quick stop to during a press conference), but I think we all like a little anguish among the players right? At least I do.
Joe Buck was the lead (weight) announcer again. So maybe that makes us the losers? Does he even play golf? I don't even care that he got Brooks' girlfriends name wrong mostly because I didn't even notice it. I have near perfected the ability to zone him out. Azinger and Faxon were pretty solid...B+ performance.
Rickie Fowler was in contention yet again, but his first major alluded him per what is becoming the norm. Is he the more likable, American version of Sergio?
I could go on, but if you are still reading this I feel like I owe it to you to get to my real loser.
Phil Mickelson. This course and the set up was built for his US Open Championship title. Wide fairways and no trees? Phil could be hitting his 60 yard cuts and hooks without fear The fun greens and green structures would have allowed his short game mastery to be on full display. The highlight reel would have been stuffed full. Now would I miss my daughters high school graduation to try to win a US OPEN to complete my career grand slam? Yes...that's why I had two daughters. You know...just in case. That silly school should have moved the ceremony. Phil could have signed a glove for each graduate with a $100 billed stuffed inside and everyone would have been happy.
Even worse news for Phil, I'm winning at Shinny next year.
JL
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