Reflections of the U.S. Open.

By: Da_Big_Kahuna Mood: like playing 36 holes Date: 06/19/2007 17:07:16 Music: None

Okay, let's get the Congratulations out of the way...First and foremost, A very respectful "congratulations" goes to Angel Cabrera. He played well for all 4 days and that is who the champion should be. It just proves that the saying "On any given day..." is true.

Next...

A massive standing round of applause for Mr. and Mrs. Tiger Woods on the birth of their first child. I know how much the birth of my son affected me. I know that it has got to beat winning any tournament, receiving any award, being the father of a new baby is one of (if not THE) most awesome events in any persons life. I have read that Elin and the baby are doing fine. I just wonder if Tiger was running around the delivery room doing his famous fist pumps?

Back to the Open...For the last 2 days all I have heard is...Is Tiger losing it? And Why does the USGA make it so hard?  I would like a chance to throw my 2 cents in on both these subjects...(Remember, these are my opinions)

Tiger, as we all know, is probably the hardest working, gifted athlete in history (except maybe Michael Jordan). To say that he is "losing" it, is just not fair. No, He did not win the Masters. No, He did not win the U.S. Open. Was it for lack of effort? NO! Lack of preparation? NO! Maybe, just maybe he just did not play well. Maybe he was thinking about Elin giving birth to his first child (God forbid! If he actually has a life outside of the public eye). Tiger did not seem to execute to his normal form on Sunday, but give the man his credit, he finished SECOND. Jack finished 2nd 19 times in his career, and you don't hear people getting all worried about him. Just do yourself a favor, sit back, watch Tiger grow as a person, as a golfer, as a husband and father. Then at the end of his career, lets check the tally sheet then.

Next: Does the USGA make the Open too hard? I heard it today and I like the fact that they are tough, but fair. Would I do better than some people who played...HELL NO! The U.S. Open is supposed to be the toughest test in golf. And once again, this year it was. Granted, there have been other years that were tougher. Looking at it from a "purist" point of view; this is how golf should be played. Not 18 under par. Remember, when we were all starting out par was what we were aiming for. I am still at the level that par is what I get excited about. The Open makes some people and breaks others. That is why I feel as though there is nothing wrong with how the USGA sets it up.

Okay, I am done venting. I am now getting off my soapbox. My 7 yr old wants to chip balls in the back yard. Nuf' said.