GOLF

The 2017 and 2018 U.S. Open’s will forever be seared in my heart and soul.

The logistics and infrastructure of the 2017 event reminded me of walking onto a construction site where the house and yard is 50 percent complete.

Exposed lumber, dirt and gravel everywhere, complete with port-a-jons, it simply was not ready. What broke my heart about last year is there was not an ounce of joy inside the clubhouse. The typical lightheartedness and fun amongst the players did not exist.

In fact, I was stunned to hear the critical comments. The culture got more somber as the week went on, to the extent that if the outdoor tent fans that were inside had not produced a large humming noise, there would be no sound by Friday afternoon.

It reminded me more of a funeral by Friday afternoon than any sort of recreational event.

OBVIOUSLY, I AM just one person and this is simply my point of view and does not represent other participants parents, players or attendees. This year at the Travelers, I sat down at a large round table top on Thursday and was completely amazed at what I heard.

Typically by Thursday, the hurt and pain is gone. Without mentioning names or players, I can assure you that the U.S. Open hangover was looming heavy. The course set-up, specifically near the greens, was like “Disneyland Goofy golf.”

Luck determined the outcome similar to a roulette wheel or rolling dice. Skill competence was not the variable of measure. Many of the world’s best were embarrassed and angry.

In my opinion, Phil Mickelson‘s reaction on one of the greens Saturday was appropriate and I hope he doesn’t apologize. If the USGA wants golf to be played, set up a golf course. The setup mimicked a Halloween theme park and his action seemed fitting.

Why would any host try to embarrass a featured guest publicly? I simply do not see the point.

The Travelers this week was much different and reflected a true golf competitive test. Here is a bit of a comparison.

The average club champion or scratch golfer under the exact course conditions they played would struggle to break 90. So it was plenty tough. Skill competence was rewarded.

I’LL CLOSE THIS segment by pointing out a couple of facts. First, golf is a recreational lifetime game designed for fun. The second is when participants have fun playing the game, had enthusiasm is contagious. I wish the USGA could understand this.

Speaking of the USGA, congratulations to Steve Larick, head professional at Golden Hills Country Club, for he is competing in this week’s U.S. Senior Open. He earned a qualifying spot at Callawassie Island a few weeks ago and it will be fun watching him this week.

NOW, A SEGUE into summer golf. The Tri-County chapter of the South Carolina Junior Golf Association (SCJGA) served as the competitive training ground for two current PGA Tour players and numerous other collegiate athletes. Dustin Johnson and my son, Wesley Bryan, both got their introduction to golf competition on this golf tour.

Buddy Bostian was the founding director of this program and set up an amazing growth culture. The idea was to go to the golf course for only part of the day, so playing fast was one of the important factors, then having fun while playing was the other.

When play got slow, it was real simple, Buddy would go out in a cart, pick up the players and drive them back in position.

Playing slow was just not an option. The faster players play, the better they play, and this is a fact. Johnson and Bryan were extremely fast players as kids and I think this attribute contributed greatly to their skill development.

SO, THE SUMMER season got started last week. The current Tri-County Chapter of the S.C. Junior Golf Association’s Hootie & the Blowfish Chapter Program played at Ponderosa.

Lexington’s Kennedy Gooding shot even par placing first for the Girls 13-18 division with Emily Baker earning second place.

In the Boys 7-9 division, Caleb Crowley was medalist and Trust Winters finished second. Grant Skelley and Chase Cline finished 1-2 for the Boys 10-12 division, while Jack Cuneo and Baylor Geer took first and second place, respectively, for the Boys 13-14 division.

In the oldest Boys 15-18 division, Blake Ellis and P.J. Jacobs tied for first with Jacob Fuller just one stroke behind them for third.