US Open - Thursday

Had 20 minutes to catch the US Open from Pinehurst, NC during lunch, my thoughts.

Course appears to be in superb condition, the Pinehurst layout is going to determine the best golfer, who is patient and accepting of pars and willing to let the course setup and conditions dictate score, instead of trying to force a number.

Any golf commentator that claims distance to be a tournament factor is wrong. PGA Professionals are all capable of hitting the ball 300 yards if the situation dictates. On the longest par 4, their drives leave 190-210 yard approaches, normally a 5/6/7 iron, taking into account professionals play tailored, delofted clubs. Pros who hit longer drives and have shorter approaches to greens (rough or fairway) are given more room for error, but accurate iron play makes course distance a non-factor.

Chris Berman should not be an ESPN golf analyst. His onomatopoeia should be restricted to football converage and the occasional highlights show. His requirement to have the last word and force jokes doesn't adapt to golf, and he draws attention to himself, not as one who exceeds, but as someone wearing a barrel for clothing.

Go Phil!