It’s going to be just like any other U.S. Open – you’re going to see the lowest scores on the first two days.
The soft greens are going to help golfers put up some good numbers. As of last week, it looked like the greens were drying out. But the USGA has put water on the greens the past three days and they’re going to be receptive. The women are going to be able to fire a lot at the flags.
If the greens stay as they are, players are going to feel like they can be aggressive. And there will be some low scores, more than you would expect for an Open.
The rough is long and heavy. Players who have the confidence to hit fairways will have a big advantage.
It’s about hitting the right club off the tee to position it in the fairway. That’s going to be key. Players will hit a variety of clubs – from driver to long iron to fairway woods. On the No. 3, for example, it’s a short par 4 (327 yards) that gives a player some options. Some players probably will use a long iron down the right side so it stops short of the bunker. Another option is to take it over the bunker with a 3-wood.
Whatever they use, they need to have the confidence to keep it in the fairway. If you get in that rough, you’re pitching it out. Not too many will be able to go for the green from the rough.
Cherry Hills and the USGA have done a great job getting the course ready for the championship. I’ve heard nothing but great comments from players.
Believe it or not, it’s not playing that long of a golf course. That could bring the field closer together. It doesn’t favor the long hitter. It favors the accurate hitter.
Local instructor Mike McGetrick has coached three women who have combined to win five Opens since 1991.
