Mike Davis believes first six holes at Olympic Club will prove challenging for players in US Open – Golf News
As the US Open moved from the Congressional Country Club and Golf Course to the Olympic Club this year, Mike Davis, the United States Golf Association (USGA) Director, believes that the participants will have real difficulty in recording low scores in the
event compared to last year.
His main focus, while talking to media, was on the opening six holes, which he believes are the hardest of all.
He said that players are expected to face some real challenge at the second major event of the year.
In order to remain in contention for the top position in the event, the players will have to be at their best to fend off the challenge they are expected to face.
While talking to media, he told that the prestigious Lake Course has been extended to 373 yards, compared to the one that hosted the US Open in 1998.
The total length of the course is now 7,170 yards, including 670-yard 16th, the most stretched par-5 hole in the event’s history.
“I am convinced that this will be the hardest start in a US Open,” Davis said after walking the course.
He added, “The first six holes are going to just be brutal. I would contend if you play the first six holes two over, I don't think you're giving up anything to the field”.
He continued by saying that the main purpose of making the course difficult is to give the players a chance to capitalise on their skills and display good form in front of the huge crowd watching them.
Meanwhile, this will result in a perfect challenge for the golf lovers to enjoy seeing their favourite players showcasing the best they have.
"We don't want to see well executed shots penalized," Davis said. "When setting up a course as tough as the US Open, it's really splitting hairs sometimes of not actually doing that. Our goal is to test the players mentally and physically, and test their
shot-making skills".
He also talked about the chances of strong winds, along with foggy weather increasing the difficulties for the players participating in the event.
The front nine of the course includes par 34 and back nine consists of 36. Therefore, the rounds in the event will consist of par 70.
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