US OPEN AT WINGED FOOT

I was delighted when I was asked to post – not after but during the event – as any post mortem is inevitably coloured by a gambling near miss.

Of the 4 Majors the US Open is the one the professionals like to win.

The Masters is slightly up itself and its Southern Colonialism has in the past offended native Americans.

The  PGA already played and won by Collin Morikawa is the also-ran and The Open, as it’s a links course, is too affected by weather.

The US Open should therefore be a stern examination of golf so I actually like to hear players whinge about the course difficulty.

Geoff Ogilvy won the US Open here 7 over which gives you some idea of a course with narrow fairways, brutal rough and tricky greens.

Greats like Sam Snead and Phil Mickelson have never won the US Open whilst Tony Jacklin is the only golfer to hold the US and British Open at the same time.

Dustin Johnson is playing the best golf on the planet but you never know with him.

He can blow the opposition away or as is happening here be midway down the leaderboard.

Jon Rahm has a power game and nice touch but he can too can let his temperament get the better of him.

At 30- 1 I had a tickle on Patrick Reed who rewarded me with a hole in one yesterday and finished second at -4.

The tourney leader is the calm and capable Justin Thomas.

He has now superceded in form, but not in number of Majors won, by his Texan contemporary and pal Jordan Spieth.

Bryson deChambeau was asked if he could “will” the victory   The Incredible Bulk replied ‘ God knows’ and then gave the answer .   He practised late in colder conditions and was rewaddred with a club house lead . He will be in the mix come Sunday

Of course as ever media attention is focussed on Rory McIlroy but praise to the evergreen Lee Westwood who shot 5 birdies yesterday.

Yes it’s going to be a cruel, demanding, test which will produce a worthy winner.