The 2017 United States Open Championship

Dr. Strangelove wrote:Doesn't feel like a US Open.

InTenSity wrote:

Robert J Sakimano wrote:by "open" does that mean anyone can play?

'cause I don't have anything going on this weekend..

It sort of works like that. You can qualify to play, and anyone has a chance to do so.

InTenSity wrote:

Robert J Sakimano wrote:
sweet, man..

now I just need some clubs..  

I have a spare set for when you visit in FL.

Travis of the Cosmos wrote:I'm watching a little golf right now and I guess I don't get what you guys are complaining about. Okay so the leaders are at -9. Maybe a little low. But why is that a problem? Errbody playing the same course.

Frank Ricard wrote:

Dr. Strangelove wrote:Doesn't feel like a US Open.

I think the USGA was very cautious in the setup today to see what happens since it's a new track. Look for them to turn off the water and it'll be interesting if they decide to make these guys play an 8,000 yd track.

One hole (#5) played under par even though it was a 500 yd+ par 4. Some guys were still hitting as little as a wedge into it. The average drive for all players was 304 yards, so a 500 yd par 4 is something like a drive, 6-iron for the average player on a 500 yd hole. You'll have to start having 540 yd par 4's to really test the long iron shots of even the average player.

Someone, I don't remember who, played hit an iron for their 2nd shot at the 600 yd par 5 18th.

kingstonlake wrote:

Frank Ricard wrote:

I think the USGA was very cautious in the setup today to see what happens since it's a new track. Look for them to turn off the water and it'll be interesting if they decide to make these guys play an 8,000 yd track.

One hole (#5) played under par even though it was a 500 yd+ par 4. Some guys were still hitting as little as a wedge into it. The average drive for all players was 304 yards, so a 500 yd par 4 is something like a drive, 6-iron for the average player on a 500 yd hole. You'll have to start having 540 yd par 4's to really test the long iron shots of even the average player.

Someone, I don't remember who, played hit an iron for their 2nd shot at the 600 yd par 5 18th.

Tour players are hitting 5 irons 250 yards. When I caddied in the Buick open very few pros we're reaching #16 in two shots. Maybe 5-10 in the field could. And that was a 600yd par 5. Back then a 280-290 average for your driver was considered a big hitter. It's nothing now, in fact it bottom level. Nicklaus has said for years the ball needs to be decompressed. He's right. Should never be a need to have an 8000 yard course. They're mutilating beautiful old courses​ to keep up with technology. It's stupid.

Travis of the Cosmos wrote:

kingstonlake wrote:

Tour players are hitting 5 irons 250 yards. When I caddied in the Buick open very few pros we're reaching #16 in two shots. Maybe 5-10 in the field could. And that was a 600yd par 5. Back then a 280-290 average for your driver was considered a big hitter. It's nothing now, in fact it bottom level. Nicklaus has said for years the ball needs to be decompressed. He's right. Should never be a need to have an 8000 yard course. They're mutilating beautiful old courses​ to keep up with technology. It's stupid.

So then leave it alone and call it a par 4? Or a par 2? Whatever. I guess I don't care that much what the score is like stoops. It doesn't really matter, it's still one guy playing against the other guys on the same course.

kingstonlake wrote:

Travis of the Cosmos wrote:

So then leave it alone and call it a par 4? Or a par 2? Whatever. I guess I don't care that much what the score is like stoops. It doesn't really matter, it's still one guy playing against the other guys on the same course.

I agree and they do that about 36 weeks of the year. They're called regular tour events. I want to see a struggle to make par. A test of the elites skills. It's called a major for a reason.

Travis of the Cosmos wrote:

kingstonlake wrote:

I agree and they do that about 36 weeks of the year. They're called regular tour events. I want to see a struggle to make par. A test of the elites skills. It's called a major for a reason.

Then just make it a par 2. That'll satisfy your hunger for worse scores.

kingstonlake wrote:

Travis of the Cosmos wrote:

Then just make it a par 2. That'll satisfy your hunger for worse scores.

Frank Ricard wrote:MSU alum Ryan Brehm +1.

I'm convinced that they can't make these courses hard enough. This was supposed to be a bombers course, yet someone with relatively modest length is leading it. But even the short hitters have the 300 yd drive in their bag somewhere. There's no such thing as a short hitter at this level.


Most of the biggest bombers missed the cut. I bet the field average is still about 300 yards, even with the soft condition. I'm not sure you can make a course too long for these guys - if it's soft, they're throwing darts.

I really love the looks of the course, but candidly, it's really disappointing that the scores are similar to a normal Tour event. Par today was about 69 for the top 30 guys.