U.S. Open 2019: The USGA got it right at Pebble Beach

The U.S. Open isn’t just a major, it’s the flagship event for the entire USGA. And this time, at perfect Pebble Beach, they got it right once and for all.

For the game of golf and the U.S. Open, after the controversy of the greens at Chambers Bay, after the inconsistent rulings at Oakmont, after the bumpy putting surfaces at Shinnecock, the USGA finally got it right.

They didn’t trick up Pebble Beach, one of the country’s most famous and historic courses, and they didn’t ruin the greens. Even Phil Mickelson said so – perhaps a bit of a surprise considering his antics in 2018. Danny Willett backed him up.

"“It’s a perfect hard test,” Mickelson insisted after finishing his round. “When you struggle a little bit or if you pull shots like I did it’s very penalizing. And the guys that are playing well it gives them a chance to separate and make some birdies and reward great shots. It was perfectly done.”More from US OpenU.S. Women’s Open At Pebble Beach A Resounding SuccessAt Pebble, it’s The Women’s No-Name U.S. OpenFantasy Golf: 2023 U.S. Women’s Open DFS Player Selections2023 U.S. Women’s Open Makes Historic Pebble Beach DebutU.S. Open Returns to Riviera Country Club"

Mickelson pointed out that Pebble Beach is important to him for a lot of reasons. One is that it was first place he played as a professional. He was hoping to have a better performance this week and a chance to complete the career grand slam.

“I have had so many special moments here at Pebble Beach that I can’t help but play here and not be thankful and appreciative and grateful for all the gifts that I’ve been given,” he added. “Even though I didn’t play my best this week it is a special place and so fun to be a part of it.”

He said he had issues with a few parts of his game.  He didn’t putt well, didn’t chip well, he explained.  However, he thought his game was adequate tee to green.

"“I hit a lot of good shots. And my short game was not what it usually is and hasn’t been this year,” he noted. “I’m going to work on that a little bit. I feel like my game has been coming around, and I want to finish off this summer.”"

Past Masters champ Danny Willett finished 12th in this year’s U.S. Open. He agreed that the course was presented well.

"“This is back to a real classic U.S. Open style venue that I think the guys enjoy,” he said. “The golf course is in fantastic condition. USGA did a great job. You look at the score and still only a couple of guys at double figures under par, and you’ve got the best guys in the world, then it stretches out pretty quickly after that.”"

Willett noted that the absence of wind affected scores by making them better than they would have been if strong breezes had blown in from the Pacific.

One can only hope that this marks a new trend in course preparation for our national golf championship.