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118th U.S. Open Championship


Davis Love III

Who is going to win the 118th U.S. Open?  

3 members have voted

  1. 1. Who is going to win the 118th U.S. Open?

    • Dustin Johnson
      0
    • Rory McIlroy
    • Justin Rose
      0
    • Justin Thomas
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    • Jason Day
      0
    • Jordan Spieth
      0
    • Rickie Fowler
    • Jon Rahm
      0
    • Brooks Koepka
      0
    • Tiger Woods
      0
    • Phil Mickelson
      0
    • Henrik Stenson
      0
    • Bryson DeChambeau
      0
    • Tommy Fleetwood
      0
    • OTHER PLAYER
      0
  2. 2. Which former U.S. Open champions will make the cut?

    • Brooks Koepka (2017)
    • Dustin Johnson (2016)
    • Jordan Spieth (2015)
    • Martin Kaymer (2013)
    • Webb Simpson (2012)
    • Rory McIlroy (2011)
    • Graeme McDowell (2010)
      0
    • Lucas Glover (2009)
      0
    • Tiger Woods (2000/2002/2008)
    • Jim Furyk (2003)
    • Ernie Els (1994/1997)
      0

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  • Poll closed on 14/06/18 at 15:30

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America’s National Championship returns to one of its most historic venues in Shinnecock Hills, and the spectre of the past hangs over this year’s U.S. Open. The fabled Long Island course was beset in controversy when it last hosted this most characteristically uncompromising of majors in 2004, when organisers lost control of its notoriously undulating greens, leading to farcical images of the game’s finest players missing putts from short distance and seeing their ball roll into bunkers.

Much has changed during the intervening years, however, although the interfering hands of the USGA remain an obvious factor. “Shinny”, as the locals refer to it, underwent a restoration project six years ago, taking the layout back to its organic roots when a variety of figures – including several Scots – created a “links-style” course that promoted variety and strategy over the metronomic straight-hitting that has commonly been a prerequisite in this Championship. These alterations included the dramatic widening of fairways, leading to tournament officials reaching a compromise to narrow them ahead of this week, but the landing areas are noticeably larger compared to previous Opens at this famously exclusive Hamptons institution.

The penalty for missing the fairways is punishing, but reminiscent of golf’s most storied stages – the Old Course at St Andrews and Royal Melbourne among them – Shinnecock is a second-shot course, with precise approaches from the best angles being a clear route to success. That’s only the first stage of the obstacles, though, as those sloping greens remain intact, and it’s resting on the shoulders of the USGA – and its Executive Director Mike Davis – alongside the weather conditions to define just how severe the surfaces and collection areas positioned around them shall be. Rain on Wednesday has softened things up a touch but expected breeze on Thursday may counteract that.

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Moving onto the Championship itself, you’ll recall that ahead of the Masters, the media landscape was enveloped by the number of compelling stories that could have been etched down Magnolia Lane, with the eventual champion Patrick Reed being a somewhat unsatisfying headline for many. Those possibilities remain tantalisingly in place this week, as history beckons for the game’s most notable figures. In a Championship that has often been defined by those in charge, let’s hope the reflections are fixated on the players themselves.

Among them, former champion Dustin Johnson returned to the summit of the world rankings after brilliantly winning on the PGA Tour last weekend; a timely reminder of just what the big-hitting American is about and capable of. His wedge play and putting has improved significantly in recent years, culminating in his dramatic triumph at Oakmont in 2016. It wouldn’t be a shock to see him accomplish similar on Sunday, and he stands as the most formidable name to beat in New York.

Justin Rose has been in superb form of late – winning the Fort Worth Invitational at Colonial – and the Englishman possesses a game honed for this Championship. Should a U.S. Open be about the player who makes the least mistakes, the 37-year-old is a prominent contender. Having won at Merion in 2013, the former Olympic Gold Medallist appears to be a safe bet for this week, and it would be a surprise should be not feature prominently on the leaderboard.

Perhaps the most overly scrutinised of golfers – perhaps as much is expected of him – Rory McIlroy has recorded disappointing finishes at Augusta and Wentworth, alongside a stunning victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. The Northern Irishman holds the tools to succeed, and we have seen spectacular flashes of his brilliance this year, but too often a mediocre round during a week has proven costly. Should a touch of consistency be found at Shinnecock, the 29-year-old will certainly have an opportunity to win a fifth major championship – tying him with Seve Ballesteros.

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Justin Thomas and Jason Day have won on tour this year and boast the attributes required for the grandest of theatres, as does last year’s winner Brooks Koepka at the surprisingly tame Erin Hills, who has returned from a potentially career-threatening wrist injury in tremendous fashion. Many will like the chances of newly-engaged Rickie Fowler and the supremely gifted Jon Rahm, though the Spaniard’s fiery temperament could prove inhibiting for this mental test, something that notably presented itself at the Masters. Jordan Spieth made an incredible run for the Green Jacket in April, but the Open champion has struggled at times on the greens, despite his imperious and consistent iron play. However, the undulations of Shinnecock may suit his approach and touch with the putter, requiring more imagination and feel than most. It could be his time to emerge once again.

But what of the sentimental favourites? Tiger Woods is ten years removed from his extraordinary triumph at Torrey Pines – and what a tumultuous decade it has been for the 14-time major champion. The 42-year-old has impressed with each facet of his game at different times during this season but hasn’t yet found the crucial formula of bringing it all together over a tournament. His long-game and ball striking were startlingly good at the recent Memorial, but his putting was statistically among the worst of the players who had made the cut.

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However, what Woods possesses is the golfing brain of a genius, with a catalogue of experience to draw upon. It does seem only a matter of time before it all clicks into place, but Shinnecock may prove too soon in that progression. We’ll see. It would be a staggering event. Whatever happens, Tiger has found himself back in that leading bracket of players who can justifiably be considered potential winners, which is quite remarkable when you reflect on his status 12 months ago.

For the Hollywood screenwriters, Phil Mickelson is the tale. Turning 48 on Saturday, the big Californian has agonisingly finished runner-up a record six times in the National Open, including at this venue in 2004. Proving he remains a factor by winning the WGC Mexico Championship in March, the left-hander will carry vociferous support from the New York gallery, and a fairytale triumph would see him become the second oldest major champion in history. Wouldn’t that be a story.

It’s been an uncertain few years for the U.S. Open, and the demons of past failings are waiting to be exorcised. The new and experimental venues of Chambers Bay and Erin Hills were deemed to have been unsuccessful by many players and observers, but Shinnecock – if handled correctly this time – has the chance to get the Championship back on track. It just requires a fitting champion to raise the trophy on Sunday. And it may very well get one.

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Brilliant DL3.

What a great weekend of sport ahead with World Cup starting and the always enthralling US Open

4 Scots in the field. Richie Ramsay and Russell Knox well known but 2 unknowns (certainly to me) in Ryan Lumsden (a) and Calum Hill both of whom are, like Knox, based in USA. Good luck to them.

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What I don’t like is his explanation. If the USGA allow this then it sets a precedent that basically anyone can take a 2 shot penalty if they’re quick enough rather than the real penalty for a bad putt. No?

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What I don’t like is his explanation. If the USGA allow this then it sets a precedent that basically anyone can take a 2 shot penalty if they’re quick enough rather than the real penalty for a bad putt. No?
Yep. Would have to agree.

Zach Johnson pretty much eviscerated the USGA in his post round interview.
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What I don’t like is his explanation. If the USGA allow this then it sets a precedent that basically anyone can take a 2 shot penalty if they’re quick enough rather than the real penalty for a bad putt. No?
Just turned the golf on 5 minutes ago and heard the reference to this. That should be a disqualification for me.
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