It sat there, looking inviting. Tranquil even. The early whispers were that it would yield. An amateur took off, whipping it into submission. The whispers weren’t whispers anymore.
Early Thursday morning Cherry Hills Country Club looked like any other stop on the LPGA Tour. Seventeen-year-old Morgan Pressel roared to 5-under one group ahead of the huge gallery following Annika Sorenstam’s every twitch, while red numbers dotted the scoreboard.
But just when it appeared the course was surrendering, it began fighting back.
As the day wore on and the temperature rose, the putts started falling short. Approach shots landing near the hole skidded 20 feet away, leaving precious few successful birdie putts. Errant tee shots were swallowed by hungry rough. Pressel gave back her five shots in a blink and walked off the course in tears.
By day’s end, only eight players were under par, none by more than two strokes.
An afternoon shower (what else?) did little to soften a course the USGA and golfers felt going into play Thursday would be susceptible. An inordinate amount of rain of late had made Cherry Hills vulnerable, they believed.
Instead, the struggle of the evening was trying to finish before darkness. Weather intervened for a second time, suspending play for good.
And, what looked in the morning like a shaky par 71 for the favorite, Sorenstam, was looking better and better by nightfall. She was only two back.
Today brings another day, another attack.
Cherry Hills will decide whether it’s up for a fight.
