Remember back a couple of months when the know-it-alls were referring to the “most anticipated” Masters Tournament in history?
Well, in terms of the main characters (including You Know Who), the potential storylines and the confluence of so many modern stars in fine golfing form, you could likely say the same about this coming week’s U.S. Open.
But you don’t dare, because where the Masters is more “vast Edwardian garden party than a golf tournament” (Alistair Cooke), this year’s U.S. Open, a year after a very non-U.S. Open experience, figures to return to form.
The late and great Jim Murray’s description states it best.
“Reporting the U.S. Open is like covering an execution. A circus fire. Bring a handkerchief. The U.S. Open is not a tournament, it’s hoodoo. It’s Hamlet with nine-irons. A pox, not a play. A movie where everybody dies in the end.”
In other words, great fun for us onlookers.
This year’s U.S. Open returns to Shinnecock Hills Golf Club on Long Island. If the USGA adopted the Brits’ format of rotating their Open among 10 venues, Shinnecock would be as obvious for us as St. Andrews is for them.
The fact that it literally blankets Shinnecock Indian Nation burial grounds not only adds intrigue and history, but a definite sense of forboding for anyone whose game might be lacking.
Shinnecock was carved into the scrubby coastline in the 1890s, hosted the second-ever U.S. Open (1896) and didn’t re-enter the nation’s golf conversation until the Open finally returned there for the classic Raymond Floyd victory in 1986.
Floyd’s winning total was 1 under par. Corey Pavin won there in 1995 with an even-par total. In 2004, the most recent Open at Shinneock, Retief Goosen won at 4 under but made every putt he saw in order to get there.
A lot has been said and written over the decades about the USGA’s national championships, particularly this one. Jack Nicklaus always said the difficult U.S. Open was actually easier to win because, by Wednesday night of tournament week, at least half the field had talked themselves out of any chance.
USGA officials have famously said, “We’re not trying to embarrass the world’s best golfers, we’re trying to identify them.” They’ll need length, accuracy, surgeon’s nerves, and the patience to deal with the inevitable kick to the ribs.
All this U.S. Open normalcy comes just a year after Erin Hills in Wisconsin, where the expected misery never blew in off Lake Michigan. Brooks Koepka won at 16 under par, as if it were the Buick Open. No one gets to 16 under at Shinnecock unless they replace the cups with mop buckets. Maybe not even then.
Meanwhile, the list of favorites, depending on who’s talking, will be long and varied, from the obvious (Justin Rose, Dustin Johnson) to the nearly obvious (Rory McIlroy, Jason Day) to the sentimental (Phil Mickelson). And, of course, You Know Who, so let’s close with a short prognosis on Tiger Woods’ chances to finally add that 15th major to his now-dusty stash.
Call it a slightly educated guess, but here’s where we just might be with the current Tiger Woods. First, think back to younger and healthier Tiger at his very best. When he was doing things no one had ever done in golf, it was clear that he could probably win tournaments even at 80 to 90 percent of his abilities.
Right now, as amazing as his comeback has been, he’s dealing with a buckshot driver and moody putter. Flashes of brilliance are followed by stall or stagger. In other words, he seems to be, oh, about 80 to 90 percent back.
The difference is something that’s been preached often in his recent absences. The surrounding cast has gotten bigger, better and much less fearful of challenging on the biggest stages. A 90-percent Tiger could win 10 years ago, but not now. However, if he can eventually get the ball in the hole, he’ll figure a way to first get it within range.
But that’s a lot of heavy lifting at a U.S. Open, particularly on those Long Island burial grounds. Then again, keep in mind that half of the guys will likely eliminate themselves by Wednesday night.
Reach Ken Willis at ken.willis@news-jrnl.com