The U.S. Open is over, and Lucas Glover is the new national champion. Congratulations to Lucas.
To me, The Open ended with not much drama. The only drama was if Lucas was going to hit a 5-iron or 6-iron off the tee? I can’t imagine that on the 72nd hole of a major that you could hit a 6-iron, which is what Glover decided on, and then hit a 9-iron on the green and win the U.S. Open.
Other good stories emerged from the Open such as David Duval’s return to form and his bid to win the Open. Then you have the go-for-broke play of Ricky Barnes.
But without a doubt, the play of Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods down the stretch will be talked about. In Tiger’s case, I think it was the putter. He made no putts and missed more putts inside 10 feet than he has in his whole career. Phil was definitely charged by the New York fans, and he obviously feeds off that. His preparation for this event was more casual than usual. His wife’s health is his main concern and the golf has become secondary, so the theory of trying to hard sometimes is definitely in play. We wish the best to Amy and Phil.
Tragedy also has struck here on the Indiana golf scene as Beth Smith, wife of PGA Tour player Chris Smith, was killed last Sunday in a car accident. Their two children also were in the car and are hospitalized. The Smith’s are one of Indiana’s best-known golfing families, residing up in Peru. They own Rock Hollow Golf Club. Our thoughts and prayers are with Chris and the entire Smith family.
This Tuesday, June 30, is a big day for me as I attempt to qualify for the U.S. Senior Open. The good news is the qualifier is here at the Brickyard. The bad news there are 101 players attempting to qualify for three spots.
The U.S. Senior Open is being played at Crooked Stick Golf Club in Carmel, Ind. It would be special for me to qualify as I was an assistant at Crooked Stick under Jim Ferriell back in 1985. I think a 4-under 68 will get the job done.
After the qualifier, the Indiana State Open begins July 6 with a Pro-Am and then the actual tournament will be July 7-10, all at Brickyard Crossing.
Remember the Brickyard is one of America’s best public courses you can play, so book your tee time and come out and play the Brickyard.
Jeff Schroeder
PGA Head Professional
Brickyard Crossing
The U.S. Open has started and now has stopped. Play has been suspended for the day, and it will resume at 7:30 Friday morning. So it is going to be boring day here, with no golf to watch.
I watched a few holes Thursday morning, which was Tiger’s group as it teed off at 8:06 a.m. In his group were Angel Cabrera and Padraig Harrington. They completed six holes and will start on #7 Friday morning. The conditions were really rough, with gusty winds and a constant rain that eventually turned Bethpage Black’s fairways and greens into streams.
The scores were about what everyone thought they would be – somewhere around 1-under or even par. Scores probably will not go low due to the conditions and the length of the course. Throw the rain and the wet rough in the mix, and the course is probably playing two to three shots harder.
I would like to welcome fellow professional and Hoosier Craig Bowden to our blogging team. Craig has been on Tour quite a few years, and if you recall, he came to the Indy 500 this year. Check out his blog as he is playing in the Open and blogging from there all this week. Indiana University player David Erdy, who is from Evansville, also got in the Open as alternate. Good luck to both players this week.
It is less than two weeks until the Brickyard hosts the U.S. Senior Open qualifier, and the field here is strong. One Tour player is entered, left-hander Russ Cochran, and also a few former Tour players such as Ralph Landrum, who led the U.S. Open at Oakmont. There are quite a few fellow Indiana professionals, along with some other club professionals from the surrounding states. There are 101 entries, with only three advancing to the championship at Crooked Stick Golf Course in Carmel, Ind. It will probably take 4-under to secure a spot and maybe 2- or 3-under for the last spots. It all depends on the weather. The course is going to be setup from the back tees with difficult hole locations. If the course is soft, it will play longer, but the greens will be more receptive for approach shots. Spectators are welcome, and there is no admission charge.
After the qualifier, we go right into the Fourth of July week and then the Indiana State Open on July 7-10. Here in Indianapolis, we have had some type of rain nine of the last 11 days. We could use a break from the rain and let things dry out a bit so we can keep up with our mowing.
With no U.S. Open action going on Thursday, the rain has stopped and the sun is out in Indiana. This would be a good time to get some practice in to get ready for the qualifier and State Open. My knee is feeling a lot better but is still sore when I walk up and down hills.
Check out our Web site soon as we are going to be announcing a new promotion and an event in conjunction with the State Open.
Jeff Schroeder
PGA Head Professional
Brickyard Crossing
The U.S. Open lived up to all it was supposed to be, the return of Tiger and the feel-good story of Rocco Mediate.
Tiger’s victory over Rocco did come with a price. Tiger is now done for the season and must have some more surgeries to repair his knee. The question that everyone asks now is will a new star emerge or will Phil Mickelson take over as the new Tiger?
These are very good questions, and I am sure everyone has their opinion, so here is mine.