Final Round Of The US Open

Today is the final round of the US Open held at Pinehurst No. 2 golf course. The players are the top worked some magic yesterday with Bryson DeChambeau leading the pack. The course is a beast the totes small lightning-fast greens, challenging rough, and tough playing conditions. The play today will set the stage for some amazing play with many highs and lows. The difficulty for most armchair analysts is who will step up to claim the title? Will it be someone from the back or will the leaders duke it out in a slug fest?

In case you missed the action from yesterday, here is a quick highlight reel.

If you look at the leaderboard, it is clear that Bryson DeChambeau is in the drivers seat. It is his tournament to win. He is playing amazingly well, especially off the tee. His driving distances (330 yards most of the time) and accuracy is allowing him to navigate the course easier than many. Additionally, his touch around the green is somewhat surprising because of his past play. Regardless, if he shoots one under par or less today, the US Open Trophy will be his for the second time.

Although DeChambeau appears to have a tight grasp on the lead, a tough hole as experienced by Tony Finau yesterday could change his fortunes. Finau’s triple bogey on the 13th hole from the middle of the fairway is a perfect example on quickly things can change. Knowing this, who has a chance to come from behind to win.

The obvious answer is Rory McIlroy. He needs to have a quick start of two or three under on the front nine to put pressure on the rest of the field. I think the needs to play a bit conservatively today and let the scores come to him…..at least on the front nine. He definitely has the ability to win as long as he continues to drive the ball as well as he has and his putter stays consistent. Fairways and greens will be the key to his success today.

Another player that will likely be overlooked is Tyrrell Hatton. Of all the players in the top 10, he is the streakiest. He has the ability to shoot a low number, but needs help from the leaders to catch them. I think if he birdies a hole or two early, he could post a very low number (some where around minus 5).

Lastly, Matthieu Pavon and Patrick Cantlay cannot be discounted. They both proved then have the game to win, however I do not think it will be their time this year. The pressure to win the US Open is tremendous and it is tough to judge if they will withstand the extra stressors of the final round of this Major. I would never say never, but I would consider them wild cards for the final round.

The final round of the US Open is upon us. The action will be exciting and I am looking forward to cheering on my favourite. This year I am backing Rory McIlroy. I think he is due and it would go a long way to propel him forward as he tries to claim the career grand slam.

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!

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