U.S. Open Eve

In my humble opinion, the United States Open is the premier golf tournament in the world. While it does not draw the most elite field, it is the stearnest test of golf. Not only does it test your physical skills (driving, iron play, short game and putting), but it also requires a very strong mental approach. These golfers will be playing under very warm conditions in D.C. and rounds will last right around five hours. There will not be an "easy" hole on the golf course. From hole 1-18 they will have to play smart and pick their spots to be aggressive. Any hiccup will be brutally punished.

I expect some veteran names to be near the top come Sunday. Although Mickelson hasn't threatened the winner's circle recently, I fully expect him to be in contention this week. Another guy to watch out for is Steve Stricker. His game sets up well for Congressional and he is coming off a victory at the Bear's tournament in Ohio. He drives it very accurately and his putting is second to none. Also, he possesses a patient game. With that said, it'd be fun to see some younger guys contend, as well. I'm looking at YOU Ricky Fowler!

Sergio squeezes into Congressional

A couple weeks ago I wondered if Sergio would ever get back to his form of 2008. If you recall, it was in '08 that he almost finally won a major at Carnoustie. After recently dropping out of the Open Championship qualifer due to injury, on Monday he began to look like the Garcia of old by surviving a 7-man playoff to qualify for next week's United States Open. The Spaniard fired rounds of 68-67 at Tunica National GC outside of this week's FedEx St. Jude Classic in Memphis.

After taking several months off, Sergio's game appears to be progressing nicely. At the end of last Fall, Sergio admitted to being burned out and needing a break from the game. Halfway through 2011 this seems to be just what the doctor ordered. Since returning from the hiatus he appears to be having more fun playing the game and looking more like the 19 year old kid who took Tiger to the brink at Medinah in 1999. It would be great for the Tour if he contended next week at Congressional. The game could use a "shot in the arm", especially with Tiger announcing this week that he will not compete in D.C. Here's to hoping he is in the mix on Father's Day.

Favorite MN Course?

MN golfers, what is your favorite course to play in the Metro Area? For me, it's Minikahda GC. Traditional, tree-line golf course. Fast challenging greens...hard to beat!  

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Watson Turns Back the Clock

Tom Watson, who outlasted David Eger in a playoff to capture the Senior PGA Championship on Sunday, continues to add to his growing legacy. Watson, 61, has been playing more like he's 31 in recent years. If you recall, it was merely a couple years ago that he nearly shocked the golf world at the British Open. And he might not be done quite yet.

If I was a betting man, I'd say he can win at least 3-5 more times on the Champions Tour. If he entered a PGA Tour event I think he'd win one of those too.

Even at his "old" age of 61, I'd take him to beat most of the young guns on Tour. His iron accuracy and touch around the greens rival the best in the world, even still today.