In a US Open mired my more of what didn’t happen that what did, 30 year Graeme McDowell became the first European champion to win a US Open since Tony Jacklin back in 1970. McDowell fired a closing round 74 which was the highest final for a US Open champion since Andy North shot the same score to win the Open title at Cherry Hills back in 1978.
Early on Sunday the title looked to be a heavyweight title fight between arguably the three best golfers in the world in Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els. That bout never transpired as all three shot less than stellar final rounds of 75, 73, 73 respectively.
Els’ round was particulary disappointing considering he got to -3 for the tournament but was 5 over on his last 10 holes. The time is running out on Ernie Els to win another major. He is now in his 40s with his last major title now 8 years old. Els appears to be playing up tight especially with his putter. He doesn’t have the confident stroke to go with his “Big Easy” swing. The clock is running out for Ernie.
What happened to Dustin Johnson?
The longest hitter on tour was not ready for prime time. While most golf analyst late Saturday night were ready to hand the trophy over to the 26 year old South Carolina native, the Golf Channel’s Brandon Chamblee was very wary that Johnson would hold on. He was proven right! How about a final round 82 that was the highest for a 54 hole leader since 1911!!!! It will be a long while before Johnson recovers from this one. Nevertheless, he is too talented to let this damage his career long term.
Tigers Resorts to Blaming Stevie!
After a disappointing final round of 75, Tiger Woods took little blame for his play on Sunday. Instead he took it out on his caddie Steve Williams. Saying he should have gone with his “gut instinct” instead of the advice of his caddie Steve Williams, Woods butchered a guy who has been in his corner despite his personal crisis over the past seven months. Steve Williams has a lot of pride, and Tiger better be careful. If James Jones were Steve, Tiger would be without a swing coach as well as a caddie.
Emotional Sunday for one of Golf’s Great Gentleman
Is there a finer gentleman in all of golf than Tom Watson? In a very emotional Sunday walk up 18 with his son Michael on the bag, Watson completed more than likely his last US Open at Pebble Beach. The 60 year old has made us dream again this past year with his stirring effort at the 2009 British Open at Turnberry as well as his charge to the lead in the first round of this year’s Masters.
Tom Watson is a golfer first and foremost and his respect for the game as well as its history is unparralled. There may not be a finer champion and classier individual ever in the history of the game. Here’s to you Tom Watson!
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