New York Times (Grudgingly) Admits They Misfired On Phil Mickelson's Part In Insider Trading Story

The Matthew Goldstein and Ben Protess story which, while still suggesting Phil Mickelson may have issues related to his Dean Foods trades that netted him $1 million (to Billy Walters' $15 million), includes this:

“The new details, provided in the interviews with the people briefed on the matter, indicate that Mr. Mickelson’s ties to the investigation are weaker than previously reported.”

My analysis at GolfDigest.com's The Loop.

Plus Fours: Rickie Pays Tribute To Payne

Nice touch from Rickie Fowler who went off script to pay tribute to Payne Stewart in round one of the U.S. Open.

The first image Tweeted by Pinehurst's team:

.@RickieFowlerPGA, you have won our hearts. #PAYNE #tbt #KnickersAtPinehurst pic.twitter.com/IfRNNI6N8H

— Pinehurst Resort (@PinehurstResort) June 12, 2014

Classy: Thistle Dhu Is Kids-Only Putting During U.S. Opens

The USGA has really taken their presentation of the grounds at Pinehurst up several notches from past Opens, with many subtle details to best reflect the values of the resort and the local aesthetic. The white horse farm fencing is an especially classy touch and a common site in these parts.

But without question the biggest spectator hit so far is the kids-only, First Tee of Sandhills-staffed Thistle Dhu putting course built by the resort last year and only available to the kids this week.

Pinehurst Ready, Fire Crews On Standby?

If you've been paying even slight attention, you know Pinehurst is tough and ready to go.

But as I note for GolfDigest.com's The Loop, it appears the setup has been taken to the edge in anticipation of rains that haven't come. There is more in the forecast tonight, but so far the forecasts have been just off.

Essentially, Pinehurst is a little inflamed and a little water won't hurt, which is not something you hear too often at a U.S. Open. Those of us selfishly wanting to see a successful U.S. Open won't mind seeing an anti-inflamatory to keep the golf sane and the tournament about the players displaying their skill. That said, these are the hot spots to keep an eye on.

Update on 2014-06-12 04:13 by Geoff

**Geoff Ogilvy gives it his thumb's up, which is always worth something to us architecture geeks.

From a report in The Age:

"If you don't use your brain you have no chance," he said.

"The greens are a bit more extreme but the feeling of the grass and the feeling of the shots you hit and the way it looks and presents is very Melbourne-like so there should be an advantage to the Australians and anyone who has played a lot in the sandbelt."

Oh Ko: Fluff To Loop For Lydia In Women's U.S. Open

Ryan Lavner of Golf Channel reports that Mike "Fluff" Cowan will caddy for Jim Furyk and Lydia Ko in back to back weeks at Pinehurst No. 2.

From Lavner's report:

"Cowan said they (he and Ko) were connected through K.J. Choi’s manager with IMG. Cowan said that he’s never met the 17-year-old phenom, and conceded that he doesn’t know much about her other than her age.  
Ko, No. 3 in the Rolex rankings, has yet to find a stable caddie on the LPGA circuit, going through at least a half dozen this season, including her father, Hong.

Cowan hasn’t caddied in a women’s event since he looped for Michelle Wie at Kingsmill in 2004.

Ko has been moving through her fair share of caddies this year, and while this is obviously a one-off move, it's pretty clear she's not sold on the importance of a stable player-caddy partnership!