More Strange News Out of the U.S. Open
By Matt Cochran
We are now only a few days away from the U.S. Open, but controversy surrounding USGA executive director Mike Davis and Chambers Bay has been brewing for weeks. For one, golfers aren’t thrilled with the course going against the traditional U.S. Open setup.
On top of that, Mike Davis says he will adds tweaks to the tee boxes and par for the course during the week and made some controversial comments that got some guys fired up, saying,
"“The idea of coming in and playing two practice rounds and having your caddie just walk it and using your yardage book, that person’s done,” Davis said. “Will not win the U.S. Open.”"
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Well now we have some more coming out of Chambers Bay to add to the kettle. The USGA announced that they will be getting rid of the traditional scoreboards throughout the course, including the largest manual scoreboard in golf located on the 18th green. The move is an attempt to enhance the “digital fan experience” and the new digital scoreboard will replicate the old look of the traditional one. The scoreboard will provide fans with a stream of video feeds, player statistics, and performance data throughout the day.
“The 12 on-course boards and a ‘monster’ board at the 18th green will provide a steady stream of performance data, enhanced player statistics and video feeds throughout the course,” announced a press release. “Fans will be treated to highlights between live groups, including ‘What just happened?’ moments throughout the day’s play.”
The weeks leading up to the U.S. Open has become an episode of Maury rather than hype for the great major of this country. The USGA is trying to enhance fan experience by taking away one of the great traditions of this tournament? They need to realize that sometimes less is more, which is what makes the Masters such an incredible experience for the fans. The Masters has been around for 81 years, but the core values of the tournament continue to stay the same. The food prices remain cheap for the patrons and the beauty of the course is maintained throughout the years. When Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts started the Masters back in 1934, their sole purpose was to celebrate the game of golf by giving players and fans the best possible experience and they continue to do that to this day.
This is a case where money and corporate America comes in and ruins the golf experience for the fans, when they need to just leave things as they are. People go to tournaments to enjoy the experience and the traditions of the event, if I wanted to watch it on a big screen TV, I’d stay on my couch at home.
In an attempt to further enhance the “fan experience,” the USGA will also reveal a new app with similar features that will be user-friendly for those attending the tournament. I don’t know if you’ve ever tried getting service at a sporting event with 50,000 other fans in attendance, but it leads to more frustration than enjoyment. Try adding 200,000 more people in the mix and see how good service will be. If I wanted to play on my phone, I’d stay on my couch at home.
The USGA needs to get off their high horse and leave the tournament alone. Where they think they’re doing a good thing for the patrons, they are really just diminishing from the experience. Tradition is passing away right before our eyes, but thankfully we still have the sanctity of the Masters, which truly is a “tradition unlike any other.”