USGA’s setup of US Open again under scrutiny

The U.S. Open will begin on familiar terms, with the U.S. Golf Association looking to bounce back from the previous year’s controversy and some pros arguing that the USGA has lost its way.

Well before the golfers began leaving for Pebble Beach and the national championship that begins Thursday, old issues began boiling again. Golf Digest ran a lengthy survey quoting anonymous players, instructors and other people in the business, mostly criticizing the way Open courses have been set up and the tournament has been run.

Among the topics was the way conditions at Shinnecock Hills grew dry and fast during the Saturday round last year, which resulted in much grousing and in Phil Mickelson willfully violating the rules by running after a moving ball on a green and putting it.

There was conciliation afterward. USGA CEO Mike Davis said in a Newsday interview the day after the tournament: “I am empathetic with the players, too. I know how hard they work on the game. When you watch a well-executed shot not be rewarded, I absolutely understand the players’ perspective on that.” Mickelson later apologized for his rash action.