God, I love watching golfers suffer.
That sounds terrible, but hear me out. There's something beautifully masochistic about the US Open coming to Oakmont for the tenth time - yes, tenth! - and watching the world's best players get absolutely humbled by a golf course that seems designed by someone who clearly had issues with golfers.
Scottie Scheffler, who's been playing like he's got some sort of cheat code lately, took one look at this place and called it "probably the hardest golf course that we'll play - maybe ever." When the guy who's won three of his last four tournaments is basically saying "this place scares me," you know we're in for something special.
The Church Pew Bunker (Because Regular Sand Traps Are for Amateurs)
Back in 2007, Tiger Woods - and this was prime Tiger, remember - stood on the third tee and made a decision that probably haunts him to this day. He looked at that ridiculous Church Pew bunker stretching 100 yards between the third and fourth fairways, with its twelve three-foot-high grass ridges that look like something out of a medieval torture chamber, and thought "nope."
Smart move, right? Wrong.
Tiger still managed to make his only double-bogey of the week on that hole. Lost the tournament by one shot to Angel Cabrera. One. Shot. I bet he still wakes up thinking about that sometimes.
His caddie Steve Williams (remember when Tiger had actual personality?) suggested throwing some practice balls in there so Tiger could work on his escape shots. Tiger's response was peak Tiger: "No way. I don't practice negativity. I'm just going to avoid it every day."
Spoiler alert: avoiding it didn't work either.
Why Par-3s Shouldn't Require Drivers (But This One Does)
The eighth hole is 289 yards of pure evil. It's a par-3 that plays longer than some par-4s I've seen at my local muni. Into the wind, most guys are pulling driver. On a par-3! The absurdity is beautiful.
Collin Morikawa - world No. 4, not some weekend hacker - literally didn't realize it was a par-3 the first time he played it. He asked his caddie if he should lay up on this "par-4." When told it was actually a par-3, his response was basically "well, I guess I'm going for it then!"
Johnny Miller, who shot that legendary 63 here in 1973, made his only bogey on this hole. His reaction? "It felt like a par!" When making bogey feels like success, you know you're dealing with something special.
The Numbers Don't Lie (And They're Terrifying)
Let me paint you a picture of just how ridiculous this place gets. In 2016, when Dustin Johnson won at four-under (and they called the course "Soakmont" because of all the rain that made it easier), only three other players in the entire 156-man field finished under par. Three!
But that's nothing compared to 2007. That year, all eighteen holes played over par. Every. Single. One. Angel Cabrera won at five-over-par, and everyone acted like he'd just shot 59.
Eight of Oakmont's holes ranked in the top fifty hardest holes among all 990 holes used on the PGA Tour that year. That's not a golf course - that's a psychological experiment.
Justin Thomas gets it. He said players "can look stupid pretty fast" here, and that it will "psyche a lot of guys out before they hit a shot." Then he added, with the kind of honesty that makes me love golf: "Being perfectly honest, and very selfish, I hope it psyches a lot of players out."
Xander Schauffele, who's finished top-15 in all eight of his US Open attempts (which is just sick), admitted he might be "sick to enjoy the challenge." He also dropped this gem about TV viewers: "I think they turn on the U.S. Open to see a guy shooting eight over, and watch him suffer. That's part of the enjoyment."
He's not wrong. We're all here for the carnage.
Bryson DeChambeau, the defending champ who somehow figured out how to bomb-and-gouge his way to victory at Pinehurst last year, will be interesting to watch. His approach of hitting it as far as humanly possible might actually work here... or it might lead to some spectacular failures.
And Rory? Fresh off his Masters win (finally!), he'll be looking to add another major. But Oakmont has a way of humbling everyone, regardless of recent form.
So buckle up. The next four days are going to be a masterclass in suffering, and honestly? I can't wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any golfing clubs or associations for retired individuals?
Golfing organizations often have divisions or leagues specifically tailored to retired individuals, such as senior golf associations or chapters within larger golfing bodies. These organizations offer social events, tournaments and other activities that cater to retirees' schedules and interests. This network allows retired individuals to compete or play recreationally against peers with similar skills and experience.
If it changes at all, does the golf etiquette of senior players change?
All age groups are expected to follow the same golf etiquette, which emphasizes respect for the other players, course and game. Senior golfers must maintain pace and adhere to sportsmanship. When mobility issues slow down the pace, it is courteous to let other groups pass. It is important to understand and adhere to the rules of etiquette. This will ensure that everyone has a positive experience.
Is there a recommended frequency of play for retirees to gain the most benefit from golf?
Golfing regularly is good for your health. You should aim to play golf one to three days per week. The retirees can reap the benefits from this frequency without having to exert themselves. Consistency is important for maintaining muscle memory and developing skills. Listen to your body and make sure you get enough rest. Overplaying can cause injuries, especially in people who aren't used to physical activity.
What factors should retirees take into consideration when selecting a course to play on regularly?
Retirees are advised to choose golf courses that suit their level of skill and physical ability. The terrain of a course can be more accessible to older players, while shorter courses may also be more appealing. Accessibility and availability of amenities, such as restrooms and shaded areas, are essential considerations. Senior-friendly programs, social clubs, and discounts can also enhance the experience of retired golfers and create opportunities for friendship and engagement.
What are the health benefits of playing golf for retirees?
Golf is an excellent form of low-impact aerobic exercise that promotes cardiovascular health and enhances flexibility. Walking the course is a good way for seniors to maintain endurance and strength, while the swinging motion can help with balance and joint flexibility. In addition, golf offers mental health benefits through its social nature.
Statistics
- Surveys reveal that over 80% of retired golfers play for recreational purposes, valuing the social and physical aspects over competition.
- Senior golfers have been reported to walk an average of 600 to 900 miles per year if they play 36 holes a week, implying significant cardiovascular benefits.
- Approximately 25% of golfers in the United States are over the age of 65, highlighting the popularity of the sport among retirees.
- Golf has seen a 15% increase in participation among retirees over the past decade, illustrating the sport's growing appeal to this age group.
- Studies have found that playing golf can add an average of 5 years to one’s life expectancy, with seniors as a key demographic reaping these benefits.
External Links
How To
How to Improve Flexibility & Strength for Golf after Retirement
The retired golfer must improve flexibility and build strength to prevent injury and enhance their game. Include a program of dynamic stretching exercises and strength training focusing on the core and shoulders, hips and legs. Yoga and Pilates may be beneficial in increasing core strength and flexibility. Resistance training will also build the muscle endurance necessary for a consistent golfing swing. Warm up your body before each game or practice session.
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