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Rickie Fowler has sadly pulled out of the WM Phoenix Open due to illness, leaving fans eager for his return feeling disappointed. Known for his dynamic play and vibrant personality, Fowler had hoped to showcase his impressive early-season momentum but chose to prioritize his health above all. His absence is a significant blow to the excitement of the tournament
The Open Preview: Field Breakdown
The 151st Open Championship tees off on Thursday, with a field of 156 players vying for the Claret Jug.
Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, and Scottie Scheffler lead the betting, but there are plenty of other contenders who could lift the trophy on Sunday.
Justin Thomas, Patrick Cantlay, and Xander Schauffele are all former major winners who are capable of challenging for the title.
Hideki Matsuyama, Collin Morikawa, and Viktor Hovland are also in the mix, while Shane Lowry will be looking to become the first Irish winner of the Open since 1947.
There are also a number of long shots who could surprise the field.
Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, and Ian Poulter are all capable of playing well on links courses, while Matt Fitzpatrick and Guido Migliozzi are two young players who are capable of making a breakthrough.
The spotlight is on Minnesota’s mighty Mississippi River at this week’s U.S. Senior Open at the 400-acre Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, which will host a USGA championship for the first time since 2009 when Lucas Glover won the U.S. Open there.
Saucon Valley is one of the few courses in the country built on a flood plain. The issues that usually come with building a course so close to water have been almost entirely mitigated by an elaborate drainage system that diverts water away from the course.
“The original design was intentional to keep the water off the course,” said John Zimmers, chairman of the USGA championship committee. “There’s a 25-foot drop-off right over there and there’s a series of pumps and ponds and basins that keep the water from coming onto the course.”
**Nineteen shots in just 31 minutes decided the U.S. Open**
A dramatic shootout on the 18th hole at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts, saw Matt Fitzpatrick claim his first major title and deny Will Zalatoris a second heartbreaking near-miss.
With Zalatoris needing to hole from 15 feet to force an 18-hole play-off, his putt agonizingly lipped out, leaving Fitzpatrick to tap-in for victory.
It was a cruel end for Zalatoris, who also lost out in a play-off at this year’s PGA Championship, but Fitzpatrick was a worthy winner, having played superbly all week.
The Englishman had started the day with a one-shot lead over Zalatoris and Scottie Scheffler, but the American duo had moved two ahead of him by the time they reached the 15th tee.
However, Fitzpatrick dug deep to birdie the 15th and 16th, while Zalatoris bogeyed the 17th, and the pair headed to the last tied on 6-under 274.
Zalatoris hit a superb drive on the 18th, but Fitzpatrick’s approach was even better, landing just 19 feet from the hole. Zalatoris’ approach, meanwhile, ended up 15 feet away.
Fitzpatrick then coolly rolled in his birdie putt, leaving Zalatoris with no choice but to hole his to stay alive. But it wasn’t to be, and Fitzpatrick was left to celebrate his first major title.
Day 2 of the U.S. Open proved challenging at The Country Club. Tiger Woods faced setbacks, carding a 78 and hitting just 5 of 14 fairways and 10 of 18 greens. Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler made the cut, but face a gap to catch up to the leader. Despite the difficulties, T.L Hatton maintained his humor, quipping that the US Open setup aligns with his usual approach of “losing [his] head.” With golfers continuing to grapple with the extreme conditions, the tournament provides an intriguing test of resilience and skill.
**U.S. Open: DeChambeau, McIlroy Face Final-Round Restraint Test**
Bryson DeChambeau’s controversial tactics have propelled him to a commanding lead at the U.S. Open, but the final round will test his restraint.
DeChambeau’s record-breaking performance, fueled by his untraditional approach, has dominated the tournament so far. However, the final round demands a balance of aggression and prudence.
Trailing DeChambeau by three strokes, Rory McIlroy also faces a test of his patience and composure. The four-time major winner seeks his first U.S. Open victory, requiring a delicate combination of calculated risks and conservative play.
The Winged Foot Golf Club’s daunting layout poses a stern challenge for both DeChambeau and McIlroy, forcing them to navigate tight fairways and lightning-fast greens. As the stakes reach their peak, the final round promises an electrifying showdown, hinging on the ability to control impulses and execute with precision.
**Straka’s Hole-in-One Sets Open Atop Leaderboard**
SE PINEHURST, N.C. (AP) — Sepp Straka hit a hole-in-one on No. 9 at Pinehurst No. 2 during the U.S. Open’s second round on Friday, becoming the 13th player to ace the iconic par-3.
Straka, who is participating in his second U.S. Open, used an 8-iron to send his tee shot towards the 215-yard hole. The ball landed on the green and rolled directly into the cup, much to the delight of the large gallery.
The hole-in-one propelled Straka to the top of the leaderboard at 3-under par for the tournament. He is one stroke ahead of a group of four players who are tied for second place.
**Excerpt: Factors Shaping Golf Course Design in Modern Times**
In contemporary golf course design, design principles are influenced by a confluence of factors.
Environmental considerations paramount include sustainable practices and water management, shaping courses that harmonize with natural surroundings. Additionally, advancements in technology have empowered designers with sophisticated visualization tools and enhanced capabilities for course optimization.
Moreover, the growing popularity of recreational golf has spurred demand for courses accessible to players of diverse skill levels. Designers must strike a balance between challenge and playability, ensuring courses provide an engaging experience for all.
Lastly, economic realities impact design decisions, with budget constraints and projected revenue streams shaping course layout and amenities.
**Royal Troon’s 6th Hole to Set Open Distance Mark**
The iconic 6th hole at Royal Troon is set to become the longest par-3 in Open Championship history, measuring 236 yards from tee to green. The hole, known as the “Postage Stamp,” is situated on a narrow spit of land and has been a formidable challenge for golfers throughout the years.
The decision to lengthen the hole was made to provide a stiffer test for the players and to ensure that only the most accurate shots are rewarded. The new distance will require players to hit a precise tee shot to find the putting surface and avoid the treacherous bunkers that guard the green.
Royal Troon has hosted the Open Championship nine times, and the 6th hole has played a pivotal role in many memorable moments. In 2004, Todd Hamilton holed out from the tee for a stunning birdie, while in 1973, Tom Weiskopf found himself in the infamous “Barry Burn” after hitting his tee shot short.
The new distance of the 6th hole is sure to add another chapter to the rich history of this iconic course.
