Guide for Beginning Golfers

The U.S. Open returned to the Bethpage Black Course this past weekend on Long Island, New York where it last decimated the field leaving Tiger Woods as the only player standing and below par in 2002. It’s fearful reputation was softened a bit by the steady rainfall during this years tournament, but make no mistake about it many players were still well over par and missed the cut by making the error of missing the fairway on critical holes.

As with the Masters I have to admit I am disappointed in the outcome of this years Open. With wife Amy awaiting surgery, and her request for a win, I thought sure Phil would pull this one out of the hat. He is as capable as any and more so than most when it comes to golf skills, but the majors still seem to elude him when he is in contention on Sunday. When he made his move and went to - 4, he appeared psyched and I thought this would surely be the one, a real Cinderella Story in the making but it was not destined to be. He missed a three footer on 15th hole and a makeable par putt on the 17th that ended his chances for his and Amy’s dream finish. Bethpage Black reared it’s ugly head and clutched victory away from not only Phil Mickelson, but Ricky Barnes and another Cinderella Story contender in David Duval. They all finished tied at -2 and a share of the second place prize. Duval, looking a bit heartier since his stellar play around the turn of the century, when he was ranked 2nd in the world behind none other than Tiger Woods had played well during this Open. Second behind Tiger was not a bad place to be at that time but he has struggled over the past four or five years and has missed quite a few cuts. He finally recaptured some of the form at Bethpage Black that made him one of the top players in the world at that time in his career. The U.S. Amateur Champion in 2002, Ricky Barnes, dropped 6 shots in his last round and just missed birdie at 18. A birdie would have put a little pressure on Lucas Glover but the putt slid by on the left side which ended any chance for a tie and a playoff. Lucas two putted easily for par and victory. Lucas Glover, a real good player with all the skills needed to win, remained the most cool, calm and collected out of the final pairings on Monday and Bethpage Black could not take the prize away from him. He did drop three shots in the final round but the Rain Man, Glover, played intelligently enough to outlast the competition. 

Tiger Woods played well and also made a run at the title but came up short this time. I can see a marked improvement in his game, since surgery, but even Tiger needs time to work his way back into true form after the knee surgery side lined him for almost 9 months. It would not surprise me in the least if he won the next two majors to end this season on a high note. We shall see over the next few months.

Congratulations to Lucas Glover for his tremendous victory in this years U.S. Open, under adverse conditions and an extremely tough venue to test ones golf skills, Bethpage Black. Happy Golfing To All !

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Tags: Lucas Glover, Major Tournaments, PGA Championships, Phil Mickelson

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