US Open's onset of controversies
US Open is here with its glitz, glamour, drama and controversies. The tournament, one of the five major championships, is about to hit the Congressional Country Club on 16th June 2011, with a massive field.
The tournament will be witnessed by millions of viewers on television, hoping for their favourite player to shine. However, there are certain highlights of the tournament before the start of the official four-day session, which have already started
shaping up the coming Sunday.
Starting with Martin Kaymer’s choice of caddie. The German has Christian Donald on his bags. The second name of the caddie gives a slight kick in the tummy, forcing one to think if this caddie is somehow related to world number one Luke Donald. And
well, you're spot on; he is the elder brother of the Englishman.
Caddies have a 'partner in crime' sort of reputation in golf. They guide a player how to get out of a sand trap; they suggest the right club to the player, they can even act as on-field coaches when required. However, since Christian Donald is related
to Luke, some might question his loyalty to Kaymer.
One thinks, what Kaymer was thinking when he hired the services of elder Donald. Although it can be argued that professionalism requires one to be indifferent to blood relations, and this was the reason Kaymer hired the services of Luke's brother,
according to some, the decision can trigger self destruction for Kaymer.
Winning US Open will be a big milestone for Donald, and having his brother guide his biggest opponent while planning a game on the course, is just the thing he needs right now.
Another interesting partnership at the US Open will be of Valero Texas Open winner Adam Scott and Tiger Woods’ caddie Steve Williams. The partnership is a surprise, but can be devastating for the rest of the field, after all Williams has been walking
by Woods’ side and that gives him enough expertise on the game.
If Scott gets lucky, then one good suggestion can help him become the first Aussie to lift the US Open. But that again depends on how the chemistry churns things up for the duo.
Phil Mickelson is another eye-catching name in the tournament. The Californian has never won the US Open in his career and as the player nears the end of his career, critics doubt his abilities to win the title. However, the 41-year-old himself thinks
otherwise. The veteran claims that he is physically fit, which is the prerequisite of reaching the final round at Congressional.
Moreover, he just won a title on the PGA Tour, which proves he has the ability and the right kind of attitude to prove the critics wrong. But will he actually lift the Claret Jug is a question, not a lot his friends would want to answer. US Open is
a par-71 setup, which requires utmost patience, long hours of walking and sheer mental strength.
Mickelson’s mental strength cannot be challenged, but when it comes to physical fitness, there are some genuine reservations. The veteran has arthritis and that can prove to be a slight hurdle in his hopes of winning the title.
However, all these circumstances can either work for a player or backfire. It’s only a wait to see who comes out on top, who rides on a bit of luck and who defies the odds, to lift one of the most coveted titles in golf, The US Open.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely of the writer's and do not reflect the official editorial policy of Bettor.com
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