Taming the Winged Foot beast will be a tall order
MOVE over, Tiger. And you, Rory. And Dustin. It is likely that none of you will be the main star of the show this week.
In fairness, it is not that unusual for the venues to be the main talking point when the US Open rolls around – not always for the right reasons. And Winged Foot will most certainly take centre stage this week because, make no mistake, it is a proper brute.
Tiger Woods said in the build-up that it is up there with Oakmont and Carnoustie as the toughest courses in major championship golf.
Whether it is the tight fairways, the devilishly thick rough or intricate greens, the world’s greatest
the last man standing on Sunday night will truly deserve all the plaudits
players are going to have their work cut out in a big way over the next four days.
The US Open has been staged five times at the New York course, with only one producing a winning score under par, Fuzzy Zoeller in 1984.
When this great tournament last went to Winged Foot, in 2006, we saw an unbelievable finish, with heartbreak for both Colin Montgomerie and Phil Mickelson, and Australia’s Geoff Ogilvy claiming a fairytale victory. His winning score? Five over. Speaking about Winged Foot this week, Ogilvy told the BBC: ‘At some point in 72 holes, it’s going to get to you.’
This is supposed to be the toughest major, of course. It is arguably the greatest selling point of the event. And even without any fans allowed, we could still be in for some memorable viewing. The top two players in the world rankings are in magnificent form. No.1 Dustin Johnson (pictured) has won a trio of events – the Travelers Championship, Northern Trust and Tour Championship – since the sport resumed amid the coronavirus pandemic. Jon Rahm, the world No.2 helped himself to two fine successes over the summer, at the Memorial Tournament and BMW Championship.
American Justin Thomas could well be there or thereabouts all week too – he has also visited the winners’ enclosure twice in 2020.
Rory McIlroy often produces one or two superb rounds in majors. He will hope this is the week he turns that into three or four and wins his first major for six years.
Englishman Tommy Fleetwood always seems to fancy this tournament, finishing fourth in 2017 and runner-up in 2018, and he will already be starting to think at the age of 29 a first major is overdue.
Looking at the odds, Woods and Justin Rose are both outsiders, but both clearly still have the pedigree.
There is only one thing we can say for certain as we head into this latest golfing bonanza – the last man standing come Sunday night will truly deserve all the plaudits coming their way.