More Saturday Reads

The Washington Post's Thomas Boswell writes, “either Goosen is a whole lot better than most people think, or the USGA needs to do a lot more thinking about what constitutes a great test of golf. Most likely, it's quite a bit of both.” And:

Since 1974, the list of U.S. Open champions who gained almost all their notoriety from this one event is alarmingly long. And that's not a compliment to the USGA. Hale Irwin won three Opens, but no other majors. Andy North, Lee Janzen and Goosen have each won twice, but would be little noted on the basis of all their other accomplishments. Lou Graham and David Graham have won as well as Larry Nelson and somnambulistic Scott Simpson, who stayed in contention every year for eternity. Corey Pavin, Steve Jones, Jerry Pate, Hubert Green and Jim Furyk also won their only majors at the U.S. Open.

Quite a group of "greatest golfers in the world." Makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up with excitement to read that list, doesn't it? When nearly two-thirds of your champions in a 30-year period can barely fog a mirror, maybe you're really identifying the most desensitized golfer.

This AP story looks at the progress of Baltusrul preparations , with the news that holes 4, 17, and 18 would be the sudden death rotation. Back to the Open, leave it to the UK papers to get on Paul Casey and Tiger. Lawrence Donegan says Tiger's leading the field in petulance . He also writes about Phil.

Mickelson's appeal is a mystery to many non-Americans, who find him more sugary than a fridge full of cola, but when he walks around the course at least he has the decency to acknowledge the paying public, unlike some of his erstwhile rivals. He also has a gambler's approach, which makes for exciting theatre. He will be missed come Sunday's denouement, and America will have to find another sweetheart.

Mason Linker reports on what is happening to players driving the 3rd green. And John Brasier says the USGA prefers grinding to greatness .