Beverly Hills, that’s where I want to be. Los Angeles Country Club hosts the 123rd playing of golf’s U.S. Open Championship this week and it’s a site to behold. The George C.Thomas design has been enhanced by the Gil Hanse led renaissance, restoring tracks of the Golden Age of course design to their intended glory.
Like many pieces of art, there is more than meets the eye at LACC. The wide fairways, a feature out of place in the U.S. Open rota of yore, may seem like an open invitation for the bombers in the field. Yet, these fairways roll into a spotty, if not dire Bermuda rough. That’s not to mention the barrancas, put that one on your bingo card. The greens are smaller than most stops on tour and their shifty and subtle breaks will become more challenging as they firm up throughout the course of the week.
As for the glitz and glam, the Playboy Mansion abuts the 13th hole and the screeches of the monkeys and birds at the back of the property can be heard during play. Many comparisons have been made between LACC and the Sandbelt golf of Australia due to the wider fairways and wispy bunkering cut right against the greens.
That being said, it stands to reason that players like Cam Smith and Adam Scott may make good showings, along with any others from the Australian cohort.
Bombers unite! Length is always key, but a drive that draws will be paramount around these grounds this week; here’s looking at you Rory.
The true skill set needed to shine over the coming days will be a masterful short game and a hot putter. Scottie Scheffler has the elite ball-striking that could lap the field but his shivering putter could keep him from basking in the warm afterglow of victory. Viktor Hovland has been in terrific form lately and has found a short game that works for him, can he finally claim his first major? But, the king of greenside manners the past decade, Jordan Spieth, has the opportunity to really make some noise come Sunday if his wrist holds up.
Last but not least, the California Kid. Max Homa, local boy and son of acting coaches, the man who holds the course record (61) at LACC is the fan favorite this week. He’s netted four wins in his home state of California and is looking comfortable as he tries to put forth his best showing in a major to date. Maybe it’s finally time for Maximum Homa.
The most fun part of this week will be the broadcast schedule. We love primetime golf here! Coverage will be running until 11pm EST which is a welcome replacement since the NBA and NHL postseasons have officially been resolved. Also, keep your eyes peeled. There will be movie stars, musicians and athletes abound at the biggest golf event in the City of Angels in many years. Stay on gallery watch.
------
@Choppinglines
*I own no rights to any images found in this blog
Comments
Post a Comment