Narrowing: The Story Behind Shinnecock's September 2017 Adjustment

Check out Guy Yocom's Golf Digest feature on how we are arriving at Shinnecock Hills with a restored golf course, narrowed in response to Erin Hills and the importance for the USGA to get this right.

The piece in print or online is accompanied by some incredible Dom Furore images and some very rich details on the evolution of Shinnecock since 2004 when it last hosted the U.S. Open. 

Most fascinating to learn was Ray Floyd's role in suggesting the course was too wide after watching the proceedings at Erin HIls.

"I said, 'Mike, we need to have a chat,' " recalls Floyd, at age 75 retired but still an influential voice."I asked him, 'Were you happy with the [fairway widths] at Erin Hills? I don't think you were.' Mike told me he absolutely was not. I said, 'Well, it's going to be on steroids at Shinnecock, because it doesn't move and flow as much. You've got it dead wide, and we've had three really good U.S. Opens here with it tight and narrow.' "

The alert from Floyd, combined with conversations Davis had with smart people in golf, must have set off internal alarms. His reaction, expressed in action more than words, was almost immediate. Within weeks, the USGA undertook dramatic alterations to Shinnecock Hills.

Of course historians will recall that the last time Shinnecock hosted, the USGA was coming off a record-scoring U.S. Open. Let's hope the re-narrowing is as far as things go. As Yocum details in a number of way, it does seem very unlikely the course will ever be allowed to spill over the top this time.

Stop This Clinical Study Now And Save Critical Time! The Promising Shot Clock Masters Early Results

We’ve all heard of those drug studies proving so effective that clinical trials are stopped midway and the most dire cases are allowed to receive the new, revolutionary remedy. 

Pro golf has been on a slow play sick bed for too long.  But after just one round of the Austrian Open/aka Shot Clock Masters, the results speak volumes: as much as 55 minutes faster than the typical European Tour three-ball, rounds 19 minutes faster than the allotted time and no apparent decline in the quality of play. 

The European Tour employed 24 rules officials—the biggest logistical impediment to making shot clocks permanent—who did not hand out a single violation in round one.

Players, as Dylan Dethier notes for Golf.com, are giving positive reviews both on-site or via social media. 

Best of all, while watching there appears to be no sense of gimmickry or a compromise in quality. Just a better flow and a reminder of faster days. 

Video: Shinnecock Hills's 10th, 11th And 12th Holes

The beautiful 11th

Three of my favorite holes in golf, we pick up the flyover pace as the U.S. Open nears its return to the great Shinnecock Hills.

The 10th features a tee shot that is difficult visually and one that once enjoyed some strategy. It's hard to imagine today's players laying up 220 yards or so for a better view instead of taking the turbo boost down a slope to the leave a flip sand-wedge for most. Even if the lie is in the first cut of rough.

This was P.J. Boatwright's theory in 1986 before players started doing their Crossfit. 

Although it's not an especially short hole, we anticipate that players will lay up off the tee so that they'll play into the green from a relatively level lie rather than play a shorter iron from a downhill lie. The pretty and small green sits up on a knob. An approach shot which lands just short of the green will likely roll down the steep slow and leave the player with a tough pitch shot. The green is likely to be firm, so a well-struck iron shot is essential.

The 10th was famously a difficult green in 2004 when it dried out too much. Players expecting this and the exposed, elevated 11th green to be the same speed and firmness of the others should probably book flights out on Friday night.

The 10th hole was 409 yards for that first U.S. Open, now it's 415 in 2018. (If only Stanford White hadn't put that pretty clubhouse in the way of more back tees! No vision!)

The flyover:

One of my favorite par-3s on the planet is, like most of the best one-shotters, uphill.

I wrote about this phenomenon a few years ago for Golf World (sadly no link), and Shinnecock's 11th certainly ranks with the most admired par-3s anywhere. Why? Usually the wind blows left to right, for a left to right shot shape so the golfer does not feel like the architect is fighting you. The beautifully situated green is pleasing to the eye and since it sits above you, feels like it's at eye level.

Finally, the left bunker cut up into the slope--a William Flynn favorite move--is really not in play for most of this year's contestants but does something to give the 11th an extra bit of life.

At 159 yards this year, the hole plays the same yardage as it did in previous Opens here and poses a very simple but difficult challenge: keep it below the hole. The infinity green is very receptive to the right shot, very penalizing to those who are long or short. 

After some finesse golf, the 12 presents a masterfully bunkered tee shot where only the far right hazard is in play. The hole is 469 yards, actually three yards shorter than 1986. 

First player to hit a ball on to the road 370 or so yards away is blamed for inevitable bifurcation. 

Video: Why We Can Scratch Keegan Bradley Off The List Of Future Shot Clock Masters Appearances

As they whizzed around the Austrian Open (AKA Shot Clock Masters) first round, we get this video posted last week from Pete Pappas.

Keegan Bradley is on the 17th tee at the 2018 Memorial. There are children watching live under par, when in reality, he takes 41.3 seconds to pull the trigger. Or, 41.3 seconds that we know of. The video starts as he's into his pre-shot routine. 

Keegan Bradley’s pre-shot routine in all its waggle, step-away, start-again, twitch, step-away, start-again, twitch, adjust-my-glove, I’m-here-all-day glory. #keeganbradley #slowplay #golfhumor #thememorial #muirfieldvillage #pgatour #instagolf #muirfield #golf #golfers #thememorial #golfing #golfshot #golfswing #golfaddict #golfaddicts #lovegolf #golfpro #teetime #golflife #golfislife #pgapappas #golfstagram #golfirons #golfclubs #golfdriver #golfequipment #golfball #golfcourse #golfswagger

A post shared by Pete Pappas (@pgapappas) on Jun 5, 2018 at 7:24pm PDT

Best Of 2018 U.S. Open Thursday/Friday Tee Times

The most intriguing groups to my naked eye assessment. The deeper, hidden meaning behind some will surely be pondered by theorists galore. 

The opener should make things easy for Coach Fields should he be attending.

Thursday (June 14), hole #1 / Friday (June 15), hole #10

7:18 a.m. / 1:03 p.m. – Jhonattan Vegas, Venezuela; Dylan Frittelli, South Africa; (a) Doug Ghim, Arlington Heights, Ill.

7:40 a.m. / 1:25 p.m. – Bubba Watson, Bagdad, Fla.; Jason Day, Australia; Brooks Koepka, West Palm Beach, Fla.

Thursday (June 14), hole #10 / Friday (June 15), hole #1

8:02 a.m. / 1:47 p.m. – Rory McIlroy, Northern Ireland; Jordan Spieth, Dallas, Texas; Phil Mickelson, Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.

8:13 a.m. / 1:58 p.m. – Hideki Matsuyama, Japan; Marc Leishman, Australia; Rickie Fowler, Murrieta, Calif.

8:24 a.m. / 2:09 p.m. – Charles Howell, Orlando, Fla.; Bill Haas, Greenville, S.C.; Charley Hoffman, San Diego, Calif.

Thursday (June 14), hole #1 / Friday (June 15), hole #10

1:14 p.m. – 7:29 a.m. – Sergio Garcia, Spain; Jon Rahm, Spain; Rafa Cabrera Bello, Spain

1:25 p.m. / 7:40 a.m. – Tommy Fleetwood, England; Francesco Molinari, Italy; Alexander Noren, Sweden

1:47 p.m. / 8:02 a.m. – Justin Thomas, Goshen, Ky.; Dustin Johnson, Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Tiger Woods, Hobe Sound, Fla.

1:58 p.m. / 8:13 a.m. – Haotong Li, People's Republic of China; Si Woo Kim, Republic of Korea; Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Thailand

2:09 p.m. / 8:24 a.m. – Jason Dufner, Auburn, Ala.; (a) Braden Thornberry, Olive Branch, Miss.; Brandt Snedeker, Nashville, Tenn.

Thursday (June 14), hole #10 / Friday (June 15), hole #1

12:52 p.m. / 7:07 a.m. – Richy Werenski, West Palm Beach, Fla.; Roberto Castro, Atlanta, Ga.; Ollie Schniederjans, Alpharetta, Ga.

1:25 p.m. / 7:40 a.m. – Lucas Glover, Tequesta, Fla.; Webb Simpson, Charlotte, N.C.; Graeme McDowell, Northern Ireland

1:36 p.m. / 7:51 a.m. – Ernie Els, South Africa; Steve Stricker, Madison, Wis.; Jim Furyk, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.

2:20 p.m. / 8:35 a.m. – Lucas Herbert, Australia; Brian Stuard, Jackson, Mich.; (a) Stewart Hagestad, Newport Beach, Calif.

Time Is Of The Essence: Shot Clock Masters Preview And Primer

The European Tour's Austrian Open is the "shot clock Masters" and it could not come at a better time for golf, as players bog down for reasons both legit (backups due to reachable par-5s) and not so legit (they take forever and don't play ready golf). 

Here are the five things you must know about this event according to the European Tour.

Essentially you need to know this: 50 seconds to hit a shot, 40 if you are the second or third in a group to play. You have two timeouts to call in case you need extra time.  Otherwise, penalty strokes will be flying.

MorningRead.com's Adam Schupak talked to Keith Pelley about the origin of this idea and to some players who are for the Slow Play Masters, and some against it.

So, Pelley canvassed his players with a simple two-question survey. First question: Do you think slow play is a problem on the European Tour?

"If you answered ‘no,’ the survey was over," Pelley said. "But if you answered ‘yes,’ you got one more question."

Do you want the European Tour to act seriously on curbing this challenge?

Within two days, 70 percent of the membership had responded in favor of taking action.

"We need to try and modernize our game," Pelley said. "The millennials have an attention span of 12 seconds. The Gen Z have an attention span of eight seconds. We're living in a society that is completely different, and I think every game and every sport and every business is looking to modernize themselves, and if you don't, then you run the risk of falling behind."

Matt Adams and I discussed on this week's Alternate Shot:

Slow Play Stat Reminder: So Much Time Waiting And Walking, So Little Time Hitting Shots

Rex Hoggard takes the much-talked about Patrick Cantlay display from the 2018 Memorial for a state-of-slow-play piece.

As painful as Cantlay's 13 looks at the green appeared to be, it's still a fraction of the time spent walking to back tees and waiting for all of the par-5 greens to clear. Hmmm...what do those things have in common? 

Even the Tour’s own statistics prove this point. The circuit average for a player to hit a shot is 38 seconds, although that number varies for specific shots (42 seconds to hit a tee shot, 32 seconds for a putt). Based on that information and on Sunday’s scoring average at the Memorial (71.2), the total amount of time in which a player is actually executing shots during a round is about 45 minutes.

USGA Reacts To Phil's Shinnecock Comment: Yeah We Can't Really Speak

Tim Rosaforte reports the reaction of the USGA's Jeff Hall to Phil Mickelson's recent comments on Shinnecock Hills and specifically what happens when they get ahold of the seventh hole (Rex Hoggard's GolfChannel.com item explains).

 And wisely, the events of 2004, to be recounted next week on Golf Channel and Fox, really were spectacularly bad. So as Rosaforte notes, the USGA is wisely not pushing back.

Shark Files: "Attack Life Radio" Coming To SiriusXM

First guests Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson. Something tells me the how-much-do-you-bench talk will be flowing.

For Immediate Release:

Greg Norman to Host “Attack Life Radio,” New Golf & Business Focused Show on SiriusXM

Monthly show brings the “Great White Shark’s” zeal for living and entrepreneurial spirit to the airwaves

Norman, a World Golf Hall of Fame member and arguably the most successful athlete-turned-businessman in the world, makes SiriusXM debut June 11

Michael Jordan might argue with that. Or Arnold Palmer. Arguably.

 Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson, the past two U.S. Open winners, will be Norman’s guests on the premiere episode

NEW YORK – June 6, 2018 – SiriusXM announced today that it has signed World Golf Hall of Fame member Greg Norman as its newest host on the SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio channel.

The two-time British Open winner, whose aggressive style of play and bold approach to life and business captivated fans and earned him the nickname the “Great White Shark,” will host Attack Life Radio with Greg Norman.  The monthly, hour-long program will not only focus on golf, but feature Norman, who has lived an extraordinary and adventurous life and achieved enormous success in his entrepreneurial and philanthropic endeavors, discussing and sharing philosophies and advice for getting the most out of life.

Plus, advice on how to use a chainsaw without cutting off a limb. 

After years of being the one fielding questions, Norman is now assuming the role of interviewer and he will welcome to his show a diverse set of guests from the worlds of golf, politics and business.

Norman will make his SiriusXM debut on Monday, June 11 (2:00 pm ET/11:00 am PT), the week of the U.S. Open, an event he finished in the top-ten in five times.  Norman’s guests on the premiere episode will include the past two U.S. Open Champions – Brooks Koepka (2017) and Dustin Johnson (2016), as well as Norman’s son, Greg Norman Jr.

Attack Life Radio can be heard by listeners nationwide on the SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio channel, which is available to subscribers on SiriusXM radios (Sirius channel 208, XM channel 92).  Those with streaming access can listen online, on-the-go with the SiriusXM mobile app and at home on a wide variety of connected devices, including smart TVs, Amazon Alexa devices, Apple TV, PlayStation, Roku, Sonos speakers and more. Episodes of the show will also be available each month on SiriusXM On Demand.  

“I have been fortunate enough to meet many great and fascinating people throughout my life – from heads of state and presidents to world-class athletes and business moguls. This show will provide listeners with a 360-degree view of my life and give one-of-a-kind access to some of these incredible minds and personalities,” said Greg Norman. “This is a new endeavor for me and SiriusXM is the perfect partner to help me embark on this journey and share my life with the world.”

Sounds like the interviewer is planning to share a lot about his life. Hopefully there is time for questions of the guests!

PGA Tour Closing In On New Twin Cities Stop

Tad Reeve with the latest on efforts to convert the longtime Champions stop there into a PGA Tour event (thanks PG for the story). 

Hollis Cavner of Pro Link Sports has vigorously pursued a PGA Tour date for the TPC Twin Cities course in Blaine that currently plays host to the Champions Tour’s 3M Championship. Cavner wants to play a PGA Tour event there as soon as next summer.

A couple of possible tournament dates are the week before two 2019 majors: June 6-9, leading into the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, or July 11-14, preceding the British Open at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland.

Why Are Golfers Less Prominent On Forbes Top Athlete Earners List?

Granted, we've seen the passing of Arnold Palmer, the injuries and struggles of Tiger Woods and the inevitable decline in endorsement dollars going to Jack Nicklaus as he gets older.

Still, golfers have always played a dominant role in Forbes' World's Highest Athletes list. But 2018's list only includes Woods in the top 20, followed by Mickelson, Spieth and McIlroy arrive next at 22, 23rd and 26th and Justin Thomas landed 66th on the back of his FedExCup win. 

No one will lose sleep over any perceived decline in golfer income given the number of millionaires in the sport. But it is fascinating that on the upper end of the endorsement pay scale, golfers appear less valued than athletes in other sports. 

My theories, substantiated by nothing other than observation?

They range from this being a simple transition period to strides made by many of the top athletes--particularly NBA players who take up 40 spots on the list--to improve their likability cache via social media, style and overall intrigue factor as golfers have become a little less accessible, less stylish and less willing to stand out. 

Video: Shinnecock's 8th And 9th Holes

The par-4 8th has been lengthened 41 yards and even then, the lovely strategy carved out by Toomey and Flynn is rendered meaningless by all but a gale force headwind. 

The 250-yard carry to get the best angle of attack at the green won't be an issue for most of the field at this 439 yarder that played 367 yards when the U.S. Open was played here in 1986. Eat your Wheaties kids!

The flyover of your last "flat" walk of the round before Shinnecock ramps up the walk from park-like to rolling to downright combative:

The 485-yard 9th begins a three-hole stretch of blind or obstructed-view approach shots and it's one of the better three-hole stretches in golf. Then again, Shinnecock features no average stretches of golf, but for those who appreciate the challenge of a well-designed uphill approach shot, the 9th-10th and par-3 11th are as good as it gets.

The big issue here in 1986 for PJ Boatwright? An unreachable 9th with a north wind and its 447 yard distance.

If the wind comes out of the northeast, the players might not be able to drive to the bottom of the huge swale in the fairway, in which case they would be left with an impossible long shot rom a downhill lie to the elevated green. So if we get a prediction of a northeast wind, we will move the tee-markets up.

For some, this will be the least likable hole at Shinnecock because of the severe stances and uphill approach severity. The flyover:

For full coverage of the 118th U.S. Open Championship, visit usopen.com.

Good And Bad News: US. Women's Open Ratings Up, Second Lowest On Record

The 2018 playing was the first in a new schedule spot against The Memorial. 

The Forecaddie explains the ratings and issues going forward for the U.S. Women's Open.

On another note, while I understand the LPGA's concerns about the new Augusta National Women's Amateur impacting the ANA Inspiration, I believe time zone differences will make a non-issue.

Of greater concern should be the dwinding numbers and stature of what was once the biggest event in women's golf, the U.S. Women's Open. While it's a USGA event, the LPGA might need to reevaluate the dates against Jack Nicklaus' Memorial. 

U.S. Open Field Is Set: Sectionals Complete, Amateurs And Old Guys Steal The Show

Another version of golf's longest day and a tip of the cap to the caddies, rules officials, grounds crews, family and friends who put in a 36-hole day with dreams of a US Open on the line.

As for you players, well done on making it to Sectionals, well done if you finished 36-holes--too many of you didn't--and now, on to those who will be in the field for the 2018 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills.

The USGA page with links to scorecards and scores, sadly no full stores and photos this year, just a roundup page? Ok...definitely worth a look with some great quotes but...

That's why we have Golfweek! The Sectional qualifying home page with links to all stories. 

Drilling down a bit, some highlights from Monday's play:

Sulman Raza is back! Kevin Casey with the Portland qualifier roundup where the former Oregon star displayed signs of the game that helped clinch a national title.

Memphis provided the best drama, with Sam Burns going deep, Steve Stricker making it again and an 11-for-3 playoff that included recent PGA Tour winner Aaron Wise. 

Chris Naegel went birdie-eagle to force a playoff and advance from Texas.

Adam Scott got over his frustration with play at the Memorial to show up in Columbus and qualify, keeping his major streak intact.

Luis Gagne won a coin flip at Local and now he's headed to Shinnecock. Well done!

In Springfield, new pro Doc Redman missed qualifying for an event he was exempt to as U.S. Amateur champion. Dylan Meyer, however, continues his strong play and is headed to Shinnecock.

Beef is back, as is cancer-survivor Matthew Southgate! So were an incredible number of WD's at Walton Heath (27). Nice to see some things never change. 

Amateurs dominated in California, again.

If you love black and white, Ansley Golf Club's Rob Matre posted this slideshow from today's qualifier. Speaking of which...

Michael Hebert qualified in Georgia and this precious shot was captured of him filling out his media form afterwards. Also in Georgia a current NHL ref who worked the playoffs made it to the U.S. Open, writes Golfweek's Brentley Romine. He better know the rules!

Filling out your @usopengolf media bio, with your daughter by your side. 👊 @mikebear6 has successfully qualified to compete next week at Shinnecock Hills! ⛳️

A post shared by Web.com Tour (@webdotcomtour) on Jun 4, 2018 at 4:38pm PDT

Fox's Sectional Qualifying show featured this moment in USGA history....

“Sexual Qualifying” > Sectional Qualifying
Way to keep a straight face!! 😂😂@holly_sonders @shanebacon @BradFaxon @fs1 @usopengolf #RoadToShinnecock pic.twitter.com/EHxxpwekpa

— Dan Valine (@danvaline) June 5, 2018

Instagram Roundup: All Ages, All Types Going For Clubhead Speed And Topping Out At 137 MPH (Yep)

There seemed to be a Monday theme to Instagram golf posts, or maybe the algorithms are just trying to help me generate more speed.

First off, our little buddy Down Under Sam Blewitt is progressing nicely from his days whapping at ice cubes. And so much hair since we last saw him!

BEAST MODE 😱😱😱🔥🔥🔥. 🎥 @katherynblewett #golf #golfer #goals #golfgods #kids #espn #3yearsold @golf_gods @golfchannel

A post shared by Sam Blewett (@sam_blewett) on Jun 4, 2018 at 2:09pm PDT

Charlie Reiter is headed to USC next year. If only I could get about 37 miles per hour more I'd catch him in the clubhead speed department. 

@charles_reiter is a beast💪🏾💪🏾

A post shared by George Gankas (@georgegankasgolf) on Jun 2, 2018 at 8:21pm PDT

And a bit slower...but the passion is just as strong for the shot outcome...

Why do the spectators sound like they just saw Tiger in the mid 2000's? 😂 (🔊🔊🔊)

A post shared by ZIRA GOLF (@ziragolf) on Jun 4, 2018 at 6:07pm PDT

Not so fast here...and not the outcome I expected.

Tag this friend 😂😂😂

A post shared by ZIRA GOLF (@ziragolf) on Jun 3, 2018 at 12:07pm PDT