The Brookline CC course, located in Boston, will once again host a major championship starting Thursday, the US Open Golf, the 3rd major stage of the season.
Founded in 1892, the oldest club in the country is indeed one of the founding clubs of the USGA.
The club’s rich history began in 1913 with the surprising victory of the young amateur golfer Francis Ouimet, who won the US Open in overtime ahead of Harry Vardon and Ted Ray, two of the best professionals of the time.
This year we will witness a fierce competition because we can qualify the Brookline course as a real monster with its narrow alleys and omnipresent long grass.
The course measures 7264 yards, and the normal is 70. Golf purists will be thrilled to return to the true conditions of the US Open, long considered the ultimate test of golf.
All aspects of the game will be tested to the maximum, and each competitor’s mental strength will be tested. I think it’s the journey where everything can fall apart at any moment.
Bogeys and double-bogeys will be numerous and almost inevitable, so much the long grass is penalizing around these tiny greens.
Young players will discover a traditional course that forgives almost nothing, not to mention some blind shots that may panic more than one.
The last time the US Open was held there, in 1988, American Curtis Strange won in overtime over England’s Nick Faldo. The 2 players finished with a cumulative score of minus-6.
On this same course, the young Matthew Fitzpatrick won the US Amateur Championship in 2013.
Players to watch
Many candidates are vying for the title, but those who have already proven themselves are given the best chance of winning.
Daily tension will rise, and all will have to draw from the bottom of their reserves to remain in the fight until the end.
The eventual champion will have to show an extraordinary strength of character, have the chance on his side and shine on the greens. This is how a US Open is won.
1 – Scottie Scheffler: The number 1 player in the world, he has shown that he has everything he needs to win in each of his outings. He already has 4 victories to his credit this year.
2 – Rory McIlroy showed he is in good shape last week at the Canadian Open. Will the energy be there? The last of his 4 major victories was already in 2013, but I still have confidence in him.
3 – Justin Thomas: no one would dare to bet against him because he is so combative and talented.
He is, with good reason, choosing several experts to win this week, provided you contain your emotions when things are not going well.
4 – Jon Rahm: the reigning champion of the event, he has all the tools to rehearse. Known for his power, we often forget that his little game around the greens is well above average. He has very good hands.
5 – Sam Burns: With his 3 wins this season, Burns has quickly become a top player because he seems to be playing well in each of his outings.
He has no apparent weakness and excels on the greens, an important asset to Brookline.
6 – Cameron Smith: is another one who impresses enormously this season. Considered by his peers as the best putter on the circuit, he should be in the fight until the very end.
7 – Xander Schauffele: an extremely talented player who could outpace everyone on such a narrow course. However, he will have to succeed in more shots rolled from less than 10 feet.
8 – Will Zalatoris: this player seems to enjoy shuffling the cards during the major tournaments, with the top 5-10 in just 9 attempts.
He has strong nerves, and the whole of his game gives him hope.
9 – Corey Conners: the time would be right to win a first Major because this course suits him perfectly. The quality of its momentum and the precision of its iron strokes make it a logical choice.
I like his chances of victory if he dares a little more on the greens.
10 – Patrick Cantlay: impossible to ignore such a player. He has one of the best impulses in professional golf and has a good head on his shoulders.
Sometimes we would like to see him show more aggressiveness in his game.
11 – Matthew Fitzpatrick: Amateur champion of the United States in 2013 on this same course, perhaps he will find the inspiration necessary to register the first win on the PGA Tour.
12 – Shane Lowry: Able to withstand pressure, Lowry has character and an exemplary attitude. With such talent, no one would be surprised if he won.
13 – Colin Morikawa: the young man has proven himself and remains one of the best iron players on the circuit, a marked advantage to reach the small greens of the Brookline course.
14 – Joaquin Niemann: I like the combativeness and composure of this young man who has not yet reached his full potential.
His spectacular victory in Los Angeles makes us believe in his chances this week.
15 – Brooks Koepka: the man of great occasions who seems to be able to raise his game a notch during the major tournaments. Watch out for him if he gets off to a good start.
16 – Dustin Johnson: Even though he left the PGA Tour, he remains one of the best players in the world. “DJ” is capable of anything, and all players know it.
17 – Hideki Matsuyama: another who has proven himself and knows how to win. The quality of his entire game makes him a logical candidate for great honors.
18 – Louis Oosthuizen: despite his recent resignation from the PGA Tour, the South African has one of the most beautiful impulses and a tempo to make any golf lover dream.
It would only be a question of the stars being well aligned for him.
19 – Billy Horschel: his somewhat rebellious style does not please everyone, but the talent is there. Without a doubt one of the most combative players and seems afraid of nothing.
20 – Phil Mickelson: if he were to finally win the only major missing from his collection, it would be the apotheosis for him but certainly not for the PGA Tour!
His recent statements have gone to the highest degree. Can’t wait to see the reaction of the public towards him.
I do not have a crystal ball, but I am still convinced that the eventual champion is on this list even if several talented players are not there… we’ll see on Sunday at the end of the day!
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