In the bustling city of Los Angeles, Brooks Koepka shares his affinity for the excitement that ensues, and amidst the commotion, the U.S. Open is no exception, even for those fortunate enough to evade the congested roads.
The golfers are still grappling with the groundbreaking news of the PGA Tour concluding its legal and ethical dispute with LIV Golf, as they forge a partnership with the national wealth fund of Saudi Arabia. This financial backing facilitated the departure of numerous PGA Tour professionals to the newly formed golf league.
Following these developments, late on Tuesday evening, an additional piece of news emerged stating that PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan would temporarily delegate his day-to-day responsibilities due to a medical condition that necessitated his recovery.
On Thursday, the golfers will confront the North course at Los Angeles Country Club, which deviates from the typical setup witnessed in most U.S. Opens. Nonetheless, they can expect the customary abundance of challenges and the accompanying frustrations that come with the renowned title of being the toughest examination in the world of golf.
“I need to keep reminding myself that bogeys are acceptable. It’s not my strongest suit,” admitted Max Homa, who established the course record of 61 a decade ago during the Pac-12 championship. “This golf course presents significant challenges. Despite hitting quality shots, they may end up in peculiar places. However, consistent execution of good shots will lead to birdies, enabling me to gain some ground.”
This tournament might deviate from the traditional appearance of a U.S. Open, but it embodies the essence of the event.
Normally, U.S. Opens are held in suburban areas, contrasting with the current location situated on the outskirts of Beverly Hills. The course itself is nestled between Wilshire and Sunset boulevards, bordered by office buildings and high-rise condominiums. Interestingly, the focal point for golfers teeing off from the first hole is the iconic “H” on the Beverly Hilton sign. While the setting may differ, the essence and spirit of the U.S. Open remain intact.
Despite its expansive appearance, this golf course, with an average fairway width of 43 yards, deceives players by playing smaller due to the pronounced slopes in certain fairways and the strategic angles necessary to approach the pins.
“It really challenges your strategic thinking,” remarked Jon Rahm, the reigning Masters champion. “The green complexes are intricately designed, requiring players to consider the angles of their shots. Even if you miss the greens, you’ll find yourself in intriguing positions that demand skillful recoveries to save par.”
With its array of demanding elements, this course possesses all the necessary ingredients for an exceptional and memorable week of golf.
Additionally, the presence of Saudi Arabia’s influence on the sport of golf casts a shadow over the tournament. However, it’s worth noting that this is not an entirely new occurrence, as the influence of external entities on golf has been observed in the past.
The previous year’s U.S. Open took place in the suburban area of Brookline near Boston. Coincidentally, it occurred just a week after the commencement of LIV Golf’s inaugural season, sparking speculation about which players might be enticed by the substantial financial rewards offered by Saudi-funded golf.
Among those who had joined LIV Golf as prominent figures was Phil Mickelson, who made his first appearance in a U.S. tournament since his departure. Prior to the U.S. Open, Mickelson remained relatively absent, engaging in meticulous preparations. He made his first public appearance on Wednesday during a practice round.
Typically, the USGA designates the Monday before the U.S. Open as the “longest day in golf,” with 36-hole qualifiers conducted at ten locations across the United States and Canada. However, this year, the traditional format was altered.
USGA CEO Mike Whan reflected on the recent turn of events and humorously commented, “As it turns out, last Tuesday became the longest day in golf.” He was referring to the day when the PGA Tour made its surprising announcement of partnering with the Saudi Arabian government. Whan acknowledged that the media’s attention would be directed towards this significant development, potentially overshadowing the stories and narratives that the USGA had intended to highlight.
Recalling a similar situation from the previous year, Whan recognized the familiar feelings and anticipated a similar outcome where the focus would shift away from the USGA’s intended stories and towards the news surrounding the Saudi partnership.
USGA CEO Mike Whan expressed his belief that once the golfers begin their competition and the balls are in the air, the athletes reclaim the narrative and take center stage.
In terms of contenders for the tournament, there is a growing list of potential candidates. Even among the current Big Three in golf, there seems to be some disconnection. Scottie Scheffler and Jon Rahm have managed to establish themselves as the top-ranked players, occupying the first and second positions, respectively.
Brooks Koepka, despite having limited encounters with them due to the PGA Tour’s suspension of LIV players, is considered part of the elite group. His recent performances in major tournaments reinforce his status as a formidable force. He finished as the runner-up at the Masters and secured his fifth major victory by winning the PGA Championship.
It is remarkable to think that Koepka only began consistently playing in majors in 2015, but he has set his sights on achieving double-digit major victories and beyond.
“I don’t believe it’s impossible for me,” remarked Koepka confidently. “The way I’ve structured my preparation and tailored my game for major tournaments gives me an advantage. At 33 years old, I still have plenty of time ahead of me. The key is to stay healthy and continue with my current approach.”
Regarding the North course, one notable feature is the presence of a winding barranca—a trench-like structure resembling an old riverbed. It traverses through eight holes on the front nine and reemerges on the right side of the 17th hole.
The North course features two par 3s that measure 284 yards or more, providing a significant challenge for the golfers. On the other hand, there is also a par 3 that can play as short as 80 yards, potentially offering a birdie opportunity.
The final stretch of three holes, all par 4s, has an average length of 518 yards, presenting a demanding finish to the round. Additionally, the sixth hole stands out as an intriguing and potentially dramatic hole. Golfers are faced with a sharp right turn from the tee, making it impossible to see the green. The hole offers the possibility of a wide scoring range, from a high score like a 7 to a low score like a 2. Koepka expressed his enthusiasm for this particular hole and suggested that it would be an exciting spot for spectators to observe the action.
For fans, it would certainly be an enticing location to witness the outcomes of various shots, with the potential for both brilliance and difficulty.
From the 14th tee at the North course, spectators have the unique experience of hearing the sounds of wildlife, including spider monkeys, and other creatures inhabiting the area behind the tall wall that shields Hugh Hefner’s Playboy mansion.
While Los Angeles Country Club (LACC) exudes a sense of glamour and celebrity presence, historically, the club has not been inclined to include celebrities in its membership roster. Nonetheless, this renowned golf club now has the opportunity to challenge and assess the skills of the world’s top golfers for the first time.
Collin Morikawa emphasized that the course layout at LACC is designed to minimize the occurrence of high scores. He highlighted the potential for big numbers to accumulate rapidly due to the consecutive lengthy holes and the long par 3s. Consequently, players must approach their game strategically and capitalize on opportunities to secure birdies while exercising caution.
Indeed, Morikawa’s assessment aligns with the essence of a typical U.S. Open, where the demanding nature of the course places a premium on precision and strategic decision-making to avoid costly mistakes.
