Tuesdays with Smitty: 109th U.S. Open

By Aaron M Smith

On Thursday, June 18th the eyes of the golfing world will converge in Farmingdale, NY for the 109th U.S. Open. 156 golfers – professional and amateur will vie for one of the most coveted titles within the world of  golf – U.S Open Champion. But in order to do it, they will have to conquer Bethpage Black – a 7,214 yard beast. Add in the traditional U.S. Open rough and the course is likely to leave some of the best golfers in the world scratching their heads.  Before we start to identify some of the favorites in this year’s U.S. Open – let’s identify two of the areas that will be vital in order for any player to be successful:

Length – As already mentioned, Bethpage Black is measuring out at a minimum of 7,214 yards.  Players that can hit their drives 300+ yards are going to have an immediate advantage. Longer drives allow the golfers to hit lower irons such as the 8,9, and wedges (Pitching and Sand) in their approach to the greens. With these irons, golfers will be able to generate both more spin and more height, allowing them to shoot directly at the pin locations. Closer putts equals better birdie opportunities. But having the length of the tee won’t matter if golfers aren”t…

Accuracy – Sure guys can bomb it 320-330 – but can they keep it in the fairway? In other tournaments, guys not keeping it in the fairway could overcome their inaccuracy with good shots out of a manageable rough. Not in the U.S. Open. USGA’s fondness for forcing golfers to turn their irons into machetes in order to get through the rough is becoming legendary. In reviewing some of the holes, players will also have to shape alot of their drives as many of the holes have either sharp or slight dog-legs. Players that are able to cut corners on the some of the dog legs and keep it in the fairway, will have an advantage in the approach to the green. Any problems keeping on the short stuff, could lead to a short weekend.

Let’s take a look at some of the favorites:

Tiger Woods – Obviously the defending champion is going to be on the list and probably is the odds-on favorite to win the tournament. After winning the Memorial tournament recently, Woods is proving that he is just about all the way back from the knee surgery that knocked him out for most of the 2008 season. Woods’ abillity to be accurate off the tee will be vital for him – an area that he has struggled with early on this season. If he is able to manage the course like he did at the Memorial and he could run away with this tournament. Also key – Woods’ physical strength. A majority of  the players on the PGA Tour, don’t have the physical prowess of Woods  -leading to trouble getting some shots out of the rough and onto the greens. It will lead to players having to lay-up and rest in alot of par and bogey putts.  Woods strength will allow him to take shots of the rough that most player won’t be able to do.

Phil Mickelson – Most people might be writing off Mickelson as a contender, because of the recent medical problems with his wife, Amy Mickelson.  But he proved in this weeks St. Jude’s Classic that he will compete and if he gets off to a good start – don’t be surprised if most of the fans at the tournament sarting following around Mickelson. The New York golf community has been pro-Mickelson in the past and everyone loves a feel good story. Mickelson certainly has the length and iron skills to make a run at the championship, but can tend the play extremely aggressive. I am not sure if this is the type of course that favors the aggressive style. But if Mickelson can control the aggressiveness and still attack the course – we might be in for something special.

Jim Furyk –  Furyk won’t be on most people’s lists for longest hitters on the Tour, but Furyk and his uncanny swing is one of the most accurate iron players.  Furyk is also known around the PGA as one of the best putters on the tour.  He is a former U.S. Open champion, whose experience will be instrumental in his management around the course. Considering how difficult the U.S. Open can be on the mental aspect of the game for the golfers,  any player nicknamed “The Grinder” has to be on the list of favorites.

Geoff Ogilvy – Another former U.S. Open champion, but from Australia and has been playing some of the best golf of his career in 2009.  Know for being long off the tee and accurate, this course sets up well for Ogilvy to make serious run at the championship. The only knock on Ogilvy – and most golfers can relate, is that when the wheels come off his game – they seem to really come off.  Still, I expect Ogilvy to be there come Sunday.

Anthony Kim – Most people know Kim from his amazing performance at the Ryder Cup in Valhalla Country Club in Lexington, KY. But the 22 year old is in the mold of Tiger Woods and has a knack for making the golf course extremely short.  Set a record at the 2009 Masters with 12 birdies in a round, but consistency has plagued Kim so far. If he can put it together for 4 days, we could see Kim’s name at the top of the leaderboard.

Kenny Perry – The question for Kenny Perry is whether he will be able to rebound from his collapse at the 2009 Masters.  The Kentucky native is known for his accuracy and calm demeanor. If he stays within his own game and doesn’t try to stay with the Tiger Woods of the PGA – he could be in contention come Sunday.

Other notables –  Vijay Singh, Ian Poulter, Padraig Harrington and Adam Scott.
While I have named a few that could be in contention come Sunday, anything can happen in golf. Don’t be surprised if  we see a whole different group of names a the top of the leaderboard.