U.S.Open Championship Preview

June 10 2019 – THE GOLF SOCIETY

U.S. Open Championship Preview

The third major of the season kicks off this week at the 119th Edition of the United States Open Championship. Last year, Brooks Koepka became the first player since Curtis Strange in 1988-89 to successfully defend his title, winning by one stroke over Tommy Fleetwood. This year, he has an opportunity to do something that has only been done once in U.S. Open history. Only Willie Anderson, from 1903 to 1905, has won three consecutive United States Open titles. In order to achieve this monumental feat, he will have to outlast an incredibly tough field and one of the most iconic golf courses in the world.

LOCATION

Pebble Beach Golf Links :

Pebble Beach Golf Links, located on the Monterey Peninsula in Northern California, will host this prestigious event for the sixth time. Only Baltusrol (7) and Oakmont Country Club (9) have hosted more U.S. Opens. With scenic views of the Pacific Ocean, and one of the most picturesque finishing holes in golf, the field and spectators always look forward to visiting Pebble Beach in June. This is the first U.S. Open held at Pebble Beach since 2010, when Graeme McDowell earned his first major title.

Although the annual Pro-Am at Pebble Beach yields low scoring, the course becomes an entirely different challenge during the U.S. Open. Strong winds, firm conditions, and high rough make for one of the most difficult courses in major championship golf. Other than Tiger Woods’15-shot victory and 12-under finishing score, no Pebble Beach U.S. Open winner has finished better than 6-under par.

MAJOR STORYLINES

Aside from Brooks Koepka’s run at history, there are plenty of other great storylines to follow this week. Tiger Woods will try to win the Masters and U.S. Open in the same year for the first time since 2002. Dustin Johnson first came to prominence when he led after 54-holes in 2010 before a final round 82 derailed his chances. Since then, he has added a U.S. Open title in 2016, and he will be eager to earn his second major championship at a venue he’s had great success at. Lastly, five-time Pebble Beach Pro-Am winner Phil Mickelson, who turns 49 on Sunday, will have another chance to complete the career grand slam this week.

AUSTRALIAN RESULTS AT U.S OPEN

Only two Australians have won the United States Open, and the last to do so was Geoff Ogilvy in 2006 at Winged Foot. Jason Day, a two-time U.S. Open runner-up, has been playing great golf as of late, and has done well in tournaments in California. Look for him to have a fantastic U.S. Open and put himself in position to win his second major championship. Another notable Australian to keep an eye on is Adam Scott. His putting has improved vastly this season, and his ball striking will give him a great opportunity to add the U.S. Open trophy to his resume.