1. Pros make bogeys
a. And…there’s a lot of them. The USGA prides itself on testing the world’s best players. You’ll see skinny fairways, fast greens and long rough. For once, the players who make more birdies in one round than you do in one year are on our level! Where else do you see birdie-birdie-birdie-quad?
2. Pressure makes ‘em sweat
a. One of the oldest championships adds a ton on pressure into the mix. Match that with tough conditions, and you’ll see full meltdowns. It’s about as exciting and dramatic as golf gets. Three footers seem like 10 feet and the pained faces make the action real.
3. Old courses
a. The US open plays a mix of courses, and more are being added to the rotation. That said, old courses like Shinnecock and Pebble Beach give us insight into what golf was like 100 years ago. Enjoy the history!
4. Cinderella stories
a. Thursday at the US Open always gives a couple no-names a chance at glory. There are thousands of players who go through qualifying each year, vying for one of 75 spots. Those that make it through are good players, but this may be their only major. Undoubtedly, you’ll see one or two challenge the lead in their baggy, un-marked shirts before fading into the shadows. Who knows…maybe that’s you in a few years!
5. Father’s Day
a. Sunday at the US Open is always Father’s Day. Many fathers, like my own, showed me a game that I’ll love forever. If your dad is a golfer, spend an hour watching the finale at Shinnecock and enjoy the time together.