The USGA's Merion Problem
When the USGA awarded Merion the 2013 U.S. Open, most of the discussion centered around logistics and the financial hit the organization would take when playing at such an intimate venue.
But in light of Congressional's low scoring brought on by soft conditions that could just as easily be seen at Merion, I'm having a hard time envisioning how a course 5-600 yards shorter than Congressional has much chance of providing a challenge short of silly rough and absurd narrowness. After all, Congressional played a very short 7400 yards even with pretty soft landing areas.
To be more blunt: I just don't see how a U.S. Open is going to work at Merion unless equipment rules have been changed by 2013. And we know that's not going to happen!
Reader Comments (50)
-LK
As to West Coast venues being better for the U. S. Open....say what? Torrey was a soft, dull track that was saved by an epic duel. Look at the tape; where was the Open release on the greens or running fairways?
Pebble in 2000 was a soft mess except for Saturday, when Els was the only man in the field to break par with 68, the round of the tournament. Everybody was so caught up in the coronation, they didn't even bother to recognize the USGA had overwatered that course due to fears there would be a repeat of the final round in '92, when Kite won and many in the field soared into the 80's score-wise. The fog rolled and they lost the ability to control the firmness. Again, don't believe me...look at the tape and watch drive after drive hit and go nowhere. Balls that check and spin back on flat portions of greens.
In the end, East Coast or West Coast, it all comes down to the soil profile, course preparation pre-event and the weather. The quality of Merion will surface in 2013. If it's firm, it will be a super test. If it's soft, a mellower slog could ensue. Just as it could anywhere else.
Merion = good (not great) course. Merion Members = a pack of delusional snobs.