Are the US Open Golf Courses too Hard?

[tomalak301]

I know we don't have that much Golf fans here, but for anyone who watched the US Open, did you enjoy watching golfers struggle all over Pebble Beach for the final round. I mean these are supposed to be the best golfers in the world, in a tough major yes, but they are still the best golfers in the world. The Open really was over after the 8th hole and McDowell was up by 3 shots. Do you think they need to make the courses easier so there can be some good competition on the final day. I mean I liked the Masters because it's Augusta and while the course is hard, it's still playable and there is some excitement. Yes there has been US open excitement before (Two years ago at Torry Pines is still my favorite) but watching golfers just move down and make shots that look embarrassing, I have to wonder if this is good viewing.

 

[Pegaritaville]

I'd rather see the US Open played on a tough course. The greens at Pebble Beach may have been a bit too unforgiving (they were rock hard), but I liked that it was played on a short course that challenged every part of a player's game. Much better that a long easy (relatively speaking) course that favors just the big hitters. As a golfer, I kind of enjoy watching players get into trouble- it's interesting to see how they go about getting out of it (and gives me more opportunities to pick up some pointers).

And I wouldn't say the US Open was over by the 8th hole. McDowel led by 3, but that lead could have easily disappeared in a hurry.

 

[tomalak301]

I'd rather see the US Open played on a tough course. The greens at Pebble Beach may have been a bit too unforgiving (they were rock hard), but I liked that it was played on a short course that challenged every part of a player's game. Much better that a long easy (relatively speaking) course that favors just the big hitters. As a golfer, I kind of enjoy watching players get into trouble- it's interesting to see how they go about getting out of it (and gives me more opportunities to pick up some pointers).

And I wouldn't say the US Open was over by the 8th hole. McDowel led by 3, but that lead could have easily disappeared in a hurry.

I agree it should be played on a tough course, but when is it too tough. I look at Torrey Pines as a comparison. It was a tough course, yes, but there was still competition involved and it made for one of the more exciting US Opens ever. I guess as a TV viewer, I don't want to see the best golfers in the world befuddled with frustration because of the course.

And yeah regarding McDowel's lead, but he looked to be the only "stable" one there on Sunday. Look at what happened to Dustin Johnson to start the round. I felt really bad for the guy.

 

[Davros]

It's that darned windmill hole that always gets me.