**2023 US Open Thread (Golf)**

[Fumbleweed 516]

The US Open is set to begin a week from Thursday . In response, here's the usual thread to get discussion going. The Los Angeles Country Club in Beverly Hills is the site of this year's championship and here is my predicted Top Ten with consideration for others noted as well. Native Californians are at the forefront of my predictions.

Top Ten:

1. Patrick Cantlay- If Cantlay is going to win a major, this is the one tailor made for him. Just a stone's throw from the UCLA campus. I consider him the favorite as such. 

2. Scottie Scheffler- If he putts well in LA, he'll be your winner. Tee to green game has no equal right now. I just think he'll struggle just enough to finish runner up. 

3. Max Homa- Will be a trendy pick considering how well he plays in California and on Poa greens. Certainly among the favorites. 

4. Brooks Koepka- Some letdown after an emotional win at the PGA can be expected, but like the PGA, the US Open is built for Koepka's game. Can't leave him out. 

5. Viktor Hovland- Perhaps the most consistent player in the game right now outside of Scheffler. Comes in off a big win and has contended in all recent majors. 

6. Jon Rahm- Rahm's game appears slightly disjointed since the Masters, but not so much so that he misses out on the Top Ten. Always a force. 

7. Xander Schauffele- Another California guy with a tremendous track record at majors. Would surprise no one if this turned out to be his first major victory. 

8. Tommy Fleetwood- I've liked the way he's played in majors for a long time now. Will be one of my favorites at Hoylake next month. 

9. Adam Schenk- Quietly earned an exemption into the tournament via great play of late. My dark horse candidate to contend somewhat on the weekend. 

10. Rickie Fowler- One more Californian to round out the top ten. Not played well enough to win this in my opinion, but is playing well enough for a very solid outcome. 

 

No Rory or Jordan in the top ten and absolutely no Justin Thomas as awful as he's been playing. Will be interesting to seek who else contends as there are certain to be some surprises. Can't wait for things to get started next week! 

[edjr 6,578]

Rory wins now that LIV is off his back

[posty 2,612]

Tiger playing?

[edjr 6,578]

Just now, posty said:

Tiger playing?

He is doing color analysis 

[listen2me 23 1,825]

Ive done some research but does anyone have a real idea of how this course will play? I look at fly overs and the rough looks sandy and wasty rather than thick.  I read that the greens are pretty tough and they have many run off spots that go back into bunkers or will roll several yards away.  Should play firm and fast.   No idea on the rough tho.  It is a US Open I expect it to play real tough regardless of the rough type.  

[listen2me 23 1,825]

1 hour ago, Fumbleweed said:

3. Max Homa- Will be a trendy pick considering how well he plays in California and on Poa greens. 

I don't believe the greens are Poa.  

[listen2me 23 1,825]

Ill say Cam Smith or Fitz.  Just a hunch.  Still not exactly sure how this will play.

[patweisers44 815]

2 hours ago, edjr said:

He is doing color analysis 

RACISS!!!

[Fumbleweed 516]

1 hour ago, listen2me 23 said:

I don't believe the greens are Poa.  

Really? Interesting…

[bostonlager 2,664]

My second favorite tournament of the year. West coast means primetime golf for 4 days

[listen2me 23 1,825]

1 hour ago, bostonlager said:

My second favorite tournament of the year. West coast means primetime golf for 4 days

I tend to go by courses for pga vs us.   Oak Hill is close enough to where it was great.  I tend to like tree lined NE courses. 

But this course looks interesting enough.  Im in.  

[listen2me 23 1,825]

2 hours ago, Fumbleweed said:

Really? Interesting…

I've read bemuda all the way.   Or burmuda fairways with straight bent greens.  I haven't looked hard enough to get a for sure answer.   

[listen2me 23 1,825]

If its easier rough I like Cam.   Idk all his stats from LIV but hes still a top player going off at 25 to 1.   

Fitz idk.  His new distance with his accuracy off the tee always makes him game at places like this.  He likes to grind.    

[WhiteWonder 2,675]

2 hours ago, Fumbleweed said:

Really? Interesting…

Pretty sure they are Bermuda 

[bostonlager 2,664]

14 minutes ago, listen2me 23 said:

If its easier rough I like Cam.   Idk all his stats from LIV but hes still a top player going off at 25 to 1.   

Fitz idk.  His new distance with his accuracy off the tee always makes him game at places like this.  He likes to grind.    

I could be way off base here, but Cam Smith is the one guy I worried about moving to LIV and his game slipping. He has said before he hates practicing and would rather spend his time fishing. Is the motivation there?

[edjr 6,578]

I think @KSB2424 should take over doing these threads. The dude is on FIRE when it comes to predicting golf. 

[listen2me 23 1,825]

23 minutes ago, bostonlager said:

I could be way off base here, but Cam Smith is the one guy I worried about moving to LIV and his game slipping. He has said before he hates practicing and would rather spend his time fishing. Is the motivation there?

I get that.  Hes come close on LIV I honestly don't follow the results.     I just think he has it in him to be there at 2 under come Sunday when 4 wins.  Im a fan.  Been a fan for a long time.  Him going to LIV hurt my feelings.  So probably some bias there.  But if he is still a what 6 player in the world then 25 to 1 is high.  You would like him higher I get that but I give him just as much chance as Rory these days to win a tournament.    Cantlay? Homa?  What are their track records in majors?  Cam isnt a us open player.  But where it played wonky chambers bay he went 4th.  If he can't pull off a putting round or 2 like he used to then yea he can't win.    I myself think he has some grit.  If he putts real watch out at a 5 under winner.  Aussies like these west coast spots.   Thats what I want to believe anyway.  

[edjr 6,578]

2 minutes ago, listen2me 23 said:

I get that.  Hes come close on LIV I honestly don't follow the results.     I just think he has it in him to be there at 2 under come Sunday when 4 wins.  Im a fan.  Been a fan for a long time.  Him going to LIV hurt my feelings.  So probably some bias there.  But if he is still a what 6 player in the world then 25 to 1 is high.  You would like him higher I get that but I give him just as much chance as Rory these days to win a tournament.    Cantlay? Homa?  What are their track records in majors?  Cam isnt a us open player.  But where it played wonky chambers bay he went 4th.  If he can't pull off a putting round or 2 like he used to then yea he can't win.    I myself think he has some grit.  If he putts real watch out at a 5 under winner.  Aussies like these west coast spots.   Thats what I want to believe anyway.  

No mention of Joe Dirt anywhere?

[listen2me 23 1,825]

Just now, edjr said:

No mention of Joe Dirt anywhere?

Id love to respond with something goofy but have nothing.   I have seen Joe Dirt once.  People seem to hold it in higher regard than I did. 

I understand the reference.   Cam is a stud.  Don't awake the beast.  

Another favorite of mine since he was an AM.  The HOV.   Won 2k on a lineup back when it first was legal with the HOV.  Sadly I sat there Sunday morning mulling 8.5 to 1 as he was one back and never got around to it.  Missed any part of his big win.  Only bet I made was Decki pre tourny 40 to 1.   

[KSB2424 3,148]

70% of the best players will Strike.  Most professional sports have done it in history. It’s Professional Golf’s turn. 
 

ETA: NFL in 1982 and 1987.  MLB in 1994.

[Cruzer 1,995]

On 6/6/2023 at 9:10 PM, KSB2424 said:

70% of the best players will Strike.  Most professional sports have done it in history. It’s Professional Golf’s turn. 

Ha, and?

So golf goes w/out Rory, JT, Schauffele, Cantlay, etc... Sure Rahm and Scottie would be missed, but I think you gravely overestimate the weight of most all else. LIV's star power, coupled with those who wouldn't strike, plus those who fill in from Korn Ferry would be enuff to get by for a while. 

Tiger is gone, the only way this threat strikes fear in anyone is if he were in his prime and still playing. 

[Cruzer 1,995]

Surprised to see Fleetwood in the top 10.. Count me as one who thinks he will never win a major, simply doesn't have the putter for it. 

I'm still getting a feel for a pick, don't have one myself yet. 

[WhiteWonder 2,675]

4 minutes ago, Cruzer said:

Ha, and?

So golf goes w/out Rory, JT, Schauffele, Cantlay, etc... Sure Rahm and Scottie would be missed, but I think you gravely overestimate the weight of most all else. LIV's star power, coupled with those who wouldn't strike, plus those who fill in from Korn Ferry would be enuff to get by for a while. 

Tiger is gone, the only way this threat strikes fear in anyone is if he were in his prime and still playing. 

Pretty much. The guys striking would need to hope that the fans have a sour taste in their mouths and blame Phil/Brooks/Bryson/DJ/Cam etc and don’t come to events or tune in because it won’t be on account of the guys actually going on strike. 

[WhiteWonder 2,675]

On 6/6/2023 at 10:10 PM, KSB2424 said:

70% of the best players will Strike.  Most professional sports have done it in history. It’s Professional Golf’s turn. 
 

ETA: NFL in 1982 and 1987.  MLB in 1994.

Thing is golf isn’t a contracted sport… (which as I said all along was how the PGA could have ended this before it began)

[Cruzer 1,995]

1 minute ago, WhiteWonder said:

Pretty much. The guys striking would need to hope that the fans have a sour taste in their mouths and blame Phil/Brooks/Bryson/DJ/Cam etc and don’t come to events or tune in because it won’t be on account of the guys actually going on strike. 

Not only that, don't underestimate the greed and love of $$$ those on Tour have themselves. Those boys live large, have lots of financial obligations - I don't see them falling on the sword for "righteousness". 

[Drizzay 699]

Does Lefty give it a run?  The timing is right for him to play a villain role on Sunday.

[Cruzer 1,995]

20 minutes ago, Drizzay said:

Does Lefty give it a run?  The timing is right for him to play a villain role on Sunday.

Sadly, I doubt it. 

But holy hell, what a story that would be. To not only finally get his US Open, but on the brink of the merger - Shamblee might literally off himself. 

[WhiteWonder 2,675]

42 minutes ago, Drizzay said:

Does Lefty give it a run?  The timing is right for him to play a villain role on Sunday.

It would be too good. 

I'd like the odds more if it were a northeast course. 

[Cruzer 1,995]

Time to make a pick I guess: 

* When healthy and on, Koepka is best golfer on the planet. And the dude is a couple shots away from heading into this week with 2 majors in a row. 

* Koepka, Cam Smith, Morikowa - the winner comes from there, I think. 

[KSB2424 3,148]

Cantlay / Xander / Hovland / Cam Smith

[listen2me 23 1,825]

If they are going to win one I suppose it would be here.  But I just can never bet xander and cantlay at their numbers ever.  Cantlay is like 14 to 1 xander popped to 18 from 16.  They have zero majors and flake out.  No chance they have twice as good of a chance as cam or spieth at 30.  Or 3 times as much chance as Decki at 45.  Their numbers always seems ridiculous. 

But like I said, if they were to win one this seems like a decent track to do it.

[listen2me 23 1,825]

Heard a stat.

Cantlay has never been within 5 strokes of the lead going into the last round of any major.  

[Cruzer 1,995]

6 minutes ago, listen2me 23 said:

Heard a stat.

Cantlay has never been within 5 strokes of the lead going into the last round of any major.  

Phenomenal talent, dude can straight up light it up. In his 8 wins, his average score to par was -19.

Unfortunately, what he’s not, is a grinder - and grinders win majors…. Same thing with Schauffele - his avg score to par in his 7 wins is -17. 

[WhiteWonder 2,675]

How convenient Jay Boy is absent due to “medical issues.” 

Fair to assume he didn’t want to answer any questions during the US Open? Did the Saudis get to him?

[Cruzer 1,995]

8 hours ago, WhiteWonder said:

How convenient Jay Boy is absent due to “medical issues.” 

Fair to assume he didn’t want to answer any questions during the US Open? Did the Saudis get to him?

If this is truly a medical issue, I feel for him a bit. The amount of stress he must have been under, knowing the secret he was keeping, had to be tremendous. I wouldn't be shocked if he really did suffer some kind of stress related breakdown. I hope he's okay..............but yes, this could also be the early stages of a (mutually agreed upon) graceful exit too. 

[Cloaca du jour 2,147]

Sergio comes in this week refreshed after shooting consecutive 66s to qualify  old school for the US Open

[WhiteWonder 2,675]

59 minutes ago, Cruzer said:

If this is truly a medical issue, I feel for him a bit. The amount of stress he must have been under, knowing the secret he was keeping, had to be tremendous. I wouldn't be shocked if he really did suffer some kind of stress related breakdown. I hope he's okay..............but yes, this could also be the early stages of a (mutually agreed upon) graceful exit too. 

yeah. I'm not wishing ill on the guy (considering he proved all of my points haha) and certainly could be a stress related issues from the secrets and backpedaling. Just seems kind of convenient to happen prior to the biggest event since the news. 

[thegeneral 2,899]

1 hour ago, Cruzer said:

If this is truly a medical issue, I feel for him a bit. The amount of stress he must have been under, knowing the secret he was keeping, had to be tremendous. I wouldn't be shocked if he really did suffer some kind of stress related breakdown. I hope he's okay..............but yes, this could also be the early stages of a (mutually agreed upon) graceful exit too. 

Listened to Brandell Chamblee interview yesterday, so consider the source, but his take on this LIV stuff was that PGA was basically hosed. They were going to get bled to death by lawsuits and trying to match Saudi money. They cut their loses. Jay M was screwed and this was the best he could do. 

Chamblee is PGA’s errand boy so who knows but he was apoplectic the other week and he was taking a much different tone in this interview.

Also was theorizing that these LIV players will have a hard time getting back on the tour if LIV gets dissolved by this agreement. No clue where he was getting that. 

[WhiteWonder 2,675]

2 hours ago, thegeneral said:

Listened to Brandell Chamblee interview yesterday, so consider the source, but his take on this LIV stuff was that PGA was basically hosed. They were going to get bled to death by lawsuits and trying to match Saudi money. They cut their loses. Jay M was screwed and this was the best he could do. 

Chamblee is PGA’s errand boy so who knows but he was apoplectic the other week and he was taking a much different tone in this interview.

Also was theorizing that these LIV players will have a hard time getting back on the tour if LIV gets dissolved by this agreement. No clue where he was getting that. 

why couldnt they just concede most of the lawsuits though. Why did it have to end in a new entity being formed / partnership / PGA taking the $$? Wasn't the PGA being sued for anti competitive practices because they banned the guys who signed with LIV? Why not just lift the bans? All those players would have to play 15 events minimum to keep their cards each season anyway.... 

[thegeneral 2,899]

6 minutes ago, WhiteWonder said:

why couldnt they just concede most of the lawsuits though. Why did it have to end in a new entity being formed / partnership / PGA taking the $$? Wasn't the PGA being sued for anti competitive practices because they banned the guys who signed with LIV? Why not just lift the bans? All those players would have to play 15 events minimum to keep their cards each season anyway.... 

Good questions.