Members Still Have To Vote On Royal Portrush Open Invite

/

Brian Keogh reports and posts a letter that went out to Royal Portrush members assuaging concerns about a possible Open Championship (or more) by reminding them that they will get to vote before the R&A is told it's a go. The R&A has scheduled a news conference Monday to announce a future Open Championship without committing to a date.

And considering the absolutely perfect record of club membership votes, why not! What could possibly go wrong, especially as they have to build two no Martin Hawtree holes to permanently shove aside two H.S. Colt holes, including one with an iconic bunker? Who wouldn't vote for that?

There is frustration and irritation amongst many of the older members about the secrecy surrounding the negotiations between the club, The R&A and the Northern Ireland Executive. Few have seen drawings of the proposed changes and many are loathe to lose the 17th and 18th holes;

In theory, they could indeed say, 'Thanks, but no thanks' to two proposed new holes and other changes required for a potential 2019 staging.

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.

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.

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!