First of all, hats off to Cherry Hills, all the volunteers and the USGA for a great championship, which it was. But I have a problem with the way the course was set up. The rough was too high.
We all know the USGA puts a premium on tough greens and hitting fairways. That’s fine. But golf fans like to see players get the opportunity to hit shots onto the green from out in the rough. That was impossible to do with the rough cut at 3 or 3 1/2 inches.
This championship became a pitching game around the greens. That’s one reason there were so few birdies.
The USGA always likes to see somebody at level par win the Open. There’s nothing wrong with that. But golf fans want to see players at least have some chances to make birdies. Fans didn’t get to see enough of that. The rough was too penalizing.
I’ve worked with a quite a few LPGA players, but I have to admit, I did not know one thing about Birdie Kim. I sure do now. What a spectacular way to win an Open, with that sand shot on the 72nd hole. But she played very consistent golf. She didn’t have a three-putt for the tournament. On those greens, that’s impressive. Her putting was a big contributing factor.
I was really surprised by what happened to Michelle Wie. There was obviously more pressure on her than she was able to deal with it.
In talking with the players, I heard all good things about Cherry Hills and the way the tournament was run. They hope the Women’s Open returns to Cherry Hills soon. And I expect that it will – hopefully with the rough cut a little lower.
Local instructor Mike McGetrick has coached three women who have combined to win five Opens since 1991.
