OT: the winner at Merion East will be.....

[Blakeon18]

The Weather.

Tons of rain in the past few days....more coming apparently. The USGA wants the course fast and bouncy. Won't happen. Lots of predictions of low scores with the moist fairways leading to wider fairways...greens will hold approach shots. Under 7,000 yards....not many drivers. Lots of predictions of low scores which won't make USGA happy. This won't be a typical Open but it may be fascinating.

"Doomsday Scenario"....the 11th hole is at the lowest point of the course....they are having a hard time with flooding....players were not allowed on that hole yesteday. USGA honcho says that the worst case scenario is that they may have to play the 11th hole....at the Merion West course....not the Merion East. Yikes!

Would the USGA permit 'lift, clean and place'...they would absolutely hate to...might it be necessary?

 

[pinotbear]

yeah, I've been watching this unfold, too. I'm going down to catch the Friday round, then turning right around to coach softball in MA on Saturday afternoon and Sunday. US Open rounds take a long time as it is, what with the demanding course set-up. If they have to shuffle golfers from one course to another, it's gonna play havoc with start times and the player's rhythm.

Ya gotta think that "lift, clean, and place" may be in the cards for Thursday and Friday. Perhaps by Saturday, the course will be dry enough to avoid that, but, it's still gonna be a lot softer than the USGA would like.

 

[boontonbomber]

The Weather.

Tons of rain in the past few days....more coming apparently. The USGA wants the course fast and bouncy. Won't happen. Lots of predictions of low scores with the moist fairways leading to wider fairways...greens will hold approach shots. Under 7,000 yards....not many drivers. Lots of predictions of low scores which won't make USGA happy. This won't be a typical Open but it may be fascinating.

"Doomsday Scenario"....the 11th hole is at the lowest point of the course....they are having a hard time with flooding....players were not allowed on that hole yesteday. USGA honcho says that the worst case scenario is that they may have to play the 11th hole....at the Merion West course....not the Merion East. Yikes!

Would the USGA permit 'lift, clean and place'...they would absolutely hate to...might it be necessary?

why would moist fairways lead to wider fairways?

 

[Blakeon18]

Errant tee shots will not bounce off into the rough [as often]....will not get much roll and will stay in the fairway.

BTW: I read that the property is too small to accomodate all the corporate hospitality tents they desire....so in some cases
they will be using the back yards of private homes bordering the course. I assume a pretty penny is going the owners' way.

 

[mauconnfan]

You got it blake......still think the precise guy will be in play........maybe a Luke Donald finally makes it? Tim Clark plays kind of like a woman, I mean that in the nicest way. He's real solid with his hybrids and fairway woods because he can't move it like the other big guys, he could be a player. If Tiger's 5 wood and stinger are working he will obviously be hanging around too.......6900 wet yards for these guys with a couple drivable Par 4's could make for an eventful weekend for sure!!

 

[slimmer56]

Blakeon, I see Lefty is getting his game together. He almost won Memphis last week. I will take Phil Mickelson !

 

[MilfordHusky]

Behind the 11th green is arguably the most important plaque in golf. It would be a shame if it is not playable.

http://golf.about.com/od/golfcourses/ig/Merion-Golf-Club-Photos/Bobby-Jones-Plaque-at-Merion.htm

I'll be out there most of the week.