U. S. Open 2005 Countdown
 

All right, everybody: Spring is here, and Tiger's wearing green again. And while green is my favorite color, it's already old news. Soon, the buzz will be all about the U. S. Open and Tiger's attempt at the second leg of the Grand Slam.

Can Tiger get the job done? Or will his wayward driver meet its match in the narrowed fairways of the fabled Donald Ross-designed Pinehurst No. 2? Will Michele Wie make the field? If she does, will she make the cut? What diabolical plan is the USGA devising this year to defend Old Man Par against the onslaught of the world's best players armed with the latest technology? Click regularly on http://www.usopen.com/ and stay abreast of the latest developments. Then, post and let us hear what you have to say!

US Open
 

I'll be there, Marshalling on the 14th hole, with a bent right wrist.

One of my favorite all time quotes is "The purpose of the US Open is to determine the best golfer in the world, not the best Jeff Maggert in the world". I suspect Pinehurst Deux will be all tricked out-- par 70 with 2 par 5s playing as 4s. Maybe 90+ degrees and 100% humidity. If they can get the greens as slick as a bowling lane they really dont need much rough. If it's hot AND dry +2 or +3 could win it.

It'll be very interesting to see how USGA will set it up and how they will play it. Played #2 from the 1999 U.S. Open tees once. To me the real challenge is the greens. Many of them are "humpback" type greens. Miss the approach and the ball will trickle down the hill manifesting a serious shortgame challenge.

Since the greens are so severe I'll be hiding behind the sofa if we'll see a stimp of 11-12 and beyond. It would probably make some holes over the top. From close range on some greens anything but a stiff flopshot to the right spot would pretty much be doomed to roll off the green.

I've played three other "major" courses; Royal Troon Old Course (Scotland), Turnberry Aisla (Scotland) and Valderrama (Spain). IMO none of those presented a shortgame test even close to P2.

Numero dos is one of the truest tests of golf on the planet; infinitely accomodating off the tee, but proportionally demanding on shots to the greens. For example; last time out, I shot 73 from the Open tees; hit many good shots to the greens, but in the final analysis, only SEVEN stayed on the putting surfaces!

In '99, conditions were soft and slow and only one player broke par. The weather will be the determining factor in terms of difficulty...the drier, the harder!!!!

EC

Yesterday at the beginning of the Booz Allen coverage, Andy North was giving a rundown on Pinehurst No. 2. He said there has been a lot of rain on the course, and it isn't going to be as firm as it could be unless they don't get any more from now until they peg it on Thursday.

Regardless, No.2 is going to be a great test of golf. I'm guessing Phil raises the trophy at -3. Gotta love Lefty's short game magic there.

Re: US Open
 

I got tickets for Firday's round. Leaving Lenoir about 5 AM to get there early and staying late. Actually it is kind of exciting, My Son and Son-in-Law are coming down and my Dad (83 yrs young) will be with me.

Any particular place on the 14th you will be at? Maybe we can meet up.

5 days and counting......................... :lol: :P

US Open
 

Martee, Friday Morning 7-12:30 I'll be on the 14th green. There will be 4 or 5 Marshalls at the green, so it won't be hard to find me. Rick