U.S. Open 2013: Did The USGA Make Merion Too Hard for Its Own Good?

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: June 17, 2013

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ARDMORE, Pa.— Somewhere along the eighth fairway on Sunday, I looked down at my phone and saw a complaint about how horrible the golf was, with players on almost every hole dropping shots left and right. 

These are supposed to be the best players in the world, and it seemed like none of them could do anything to beat Merion Golf Club. That probably made those in charge at the USGA smile, but maybe it shouldn't. Maybe Merion was just too hard for its own good.

Early in the week, the buzz was that Merion could play short and soft, a low-scoring dream and a veritable nightmare for the USGA, which prides itself on being the toughest test in golf year after year.

Four rounds later, with a champion in Justin Rose who finished one over par for the tournament, Merion was indeed the toughest test in golf. It was too tough a test.

I love the U.S. Open. It is without a doubt my favorite tournament of the year, expressly because it's so tough on the players. "Par" should matter in golf, even for the best players in the world. A tough course demands good shot-making and rewards smart, safe play.

Still, there is this prevailing feeling that the USGA needed to resort to gimmicks to keep scores down at Merion. Zach Johnson said the USGA was being manipulative. 



 

Mickelson Speaks Up

Even Phil Mickelson, who repeatedly talked about how much he loved Merion and appreciated the challenge the 18 holes provided, had issues with the setup, specifically on the third hole on Sunday, which he double bogeyed.

After he hit his tee shot on the fourth hole, Mickelson went over to USGA Executive Director Mike Davis, who was walking with the group, and said something to him. It was clear from the exchange that Phil was unhappy with the length and setup of the third hole.

I later asked Mickelson about the exchange and what he thought about th...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Golf

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