Scott brutally honest with US Open appraisal
GOLD Coast star Adam Scott believes golf officials are under pressure to deliver a controversy-free US Open this year.
His comments came after the 2016 venue Oakmont and 2015 host Chambers Bay were criticised for their toughness.
At 7741 yards, this week’s course at Erin Hills in Wisconsin is the longest layout in golf major history and Scott says officials have to control it.
Erin Hills, which opens and closes with two monster 600yard par-fives, is in keeping with the US Open’s most demanding traditions.
“They’re going to have to try to run a really good event,” world No.12 Scott said.
“The ball is in their court; they control it all.
“Hopefully they get it right this time, just from a playability standpoint.
“Let’s just have something that’s a challenge and interesting, not just playing brutal (golf).”
United States Golf Association officials say the yardage at Erin Hills may fluctuate, depending on adjustments to the set-up which will be made based on the firmness of the ground and wind conditions.
American star and world No.1 Dustin Johnson is preparing for a battle of the bighitters when the Open begins on Friday (Qld time).
Johnson, who clinched his first major victory at Oakmont last year, has been installed as the favourite.
The 32-year-old was one of the casualties of the Open at Chambers Bay in 2015.
He was perfectly positioned to win at the course – until this year the longest in US Open history – only to three-putt on the 18th green of the final round to gift fellow American Jordan Spieth victory.
Yet he recovered from that setback to win at Oakmont last year, finally shaking off his majors jinx.
In his final Open lead-up, Scott was five shots off the lead in the St Jude Classic in Memphis going into the final round early today.