They are journeymen, and you will hear about their journeys this week because they qualify as feel-good stories. But they’re also something more, because in a past week and year when everything in the game of golf has seemingly had a dollar sign attached, they are stories that are priceless.
This marks the sixth time since 1999 the championship has been played on a course that’s never previously hosted a US Open, joining Pinehurst No.2 (1999), Bethpage’s Black Course (2002), Torrey Pines’ South Course (2008), Chambers Bay (2015) and Erin Hills (2017).
That’s a nice, quick job by the USGA. Although we’re pretty sure Hadwin won’t wear the construction vest and hard hat – in part because someone at LACC would probably have him removed from the grounds.
So what’s in store for this year at LACC? Tee-times have just been announced, with players competing in threesomes off the first and 10th tees during the first and second rounds this Thursday and Friday.
Matt Fitzpatrick has an on-course demeanor seemingly made for the big games. Whether he’s calm because he’s filled with confidence or he’s confident because he’s so calm, the young man has proven he can deliver in the clutch.
Conversely, American players who left for LIV can still qualify despite being prohibited from playing in PGA Tour events based on still technically being members of the PGA of America.
Two major champions highlighted a field of US Open hopefuls Monday in Dallas with one advancing via a 36-hole qualifier and the other falling just short.