Would you rather watch a golf event that has players winning with final scores in the high teens under par or just breaking par?
After watching the latest edition of the U.S. Open at tricky Oakmont, with its signature church pews bunker, I would rather watch that kind of test, even if it’s hell on the players.
The challenges of narrow fairways, thick and deep rough, sloping, speedy greens and tricky pin placements make for more compelling results, purely for viewing purposes, than a fairly benign course that makes birdies easy.
The fact the United States Golf Association routinely sets up the U.S. Open to mentally and physically tests the players – to the point of making it like a survival reality show – is maddening for players. They know it and begrudgingly accept it. Those who succeed and ultimately finish first have a trophy significant of accomplishment.
The 2025 tournament will be remembered for how it humbled some players, including reigning champion Bryson DeChambeau (Titleist Pro V1x Left Dash), who failed to make the cut. Shane Lowry (Srixon Z-Star XV) also went home early and actually was assessed a one-shot penalty for failing to mark his ball during the second round. Sam Burns (Callaway Chrome Tour X) started the final round with the lead and was in a striking position to hold it until he blew up on the back nine, shooting five-over par, including three-over par on the final four holes. Granted, it began on the 15th hole when his tee shot landed in a pool of water following a 90-minute rainstorm, and he was twice denied relief by the rules officials. He double bogeyed the hole and finished eight-over par on the round to drop into a tie for seventh place. So, not only was Burns battling the course and the conditions, he was also jobbed by the rules officials – whether or not you agreed with the decision. Scottie Scheffler (Titleist Pro V1) was absolutely beside himself in frustration, showing it on the practice range after the third round, though he managed to finish even-par on the final round to also finish T7. Jon Rahm (Callaway Chrome Tour X) joined the group after posting a three-under par on the final round, but didn’t have to battle the rain and the soaked course. He was one of the view to break par. Rory McIlroy (TaylorMade TP5x) also finished three-under on the round to finish seven-over par in the tournament and, was likewise, long finished before rain became an issue.
You’ve got to give credit to eventual J.J. Spaun (Srixon Z Star Diamond), who started out the final round one shot back of Burns and promptly saw himself drop precipitously with a score of five-over par in the first six holes. A lesser person might have crumbled, but the Californian finished strongly shooting three-under par on the back nine.
Many will remember his 64-birdie putt on the 18th hole to record the walkoff win, but it was more about the gumption he showed throughout the tournament. Remember, he lost earlier this year to McIlroy in a playoff in The Players Championship, which was an absolute heartbreaker. He indicated he came close to quitting golf after a terrible start to the 2024 season. But mentally he has to be filled with confidence moving forward.
He is now a major winner with only his second victory on the PGA Tour and won $4.5 million. He’s won almost $9.5 million this year. He won slightly more than $1.1 million last year.
THE SILENT TREATMENT: Does it matter whether or not McIlroy gives media interviews after each round? Well, some in the media who follow the PGA Tour on a regular basis believe it’s incumbent on all players to talk to the media. McIlroy has become a bit reluctant to do so in the last few years, most recently when he had his driver disqualified before the PGA Championship, in which he was a non-factor. Though he said the next week his silence was a case of him being outed compared to others, the on-again, off-again battle with the media is becoming a recurring story.
What is obvious is that McIlroy probably needs a break away from the PGA Tour to reset himself after his memorable Masters victory to complete his personal career Grand Slam. He has said he and his wife and daughter will be moving from their home in Jupiter, Florida to London after this week’s Travelers Championship and its $20 million purse.
As I often say in this blog, I’m sure McIlroy will open up about things when he is featured next year in the new season of Netflix’s Full Swing. He has become a recurring personality in the series and often provides insight.
