U.S. Open Aftermath: Nice Guys Do Finish First

In the aftermath of the 119th U.S. Open, everyone left Pebble Beach with a warm, fuzzy feeling, knowing that nice guys do indeed finish first.

The victory by Gary Woodland last Sunday was a feel-good chapter in the life of a young man from the Midwest whose life has been touched by the loss of a child, a life-event that has perhaps given him an even better perspective that his professional golf endeavors are not a matter of life-and-death.  Gary becomes even more likeable with his quiet, powerful demeanor and a style that is a credit to the man, his family and the PGA Tour.

His victory was shared by his parents, who were there to greet him at the 72nd hole while wife Gabby was back home, pregnant again, with twins again.

Granted, Gary picked up a giant-size check for $2,250,000 but he did it in a way that he gained a score of new fans and followers.

Just as important was the USGA finally getting things right.  No controversy as to the setup, the course never became unreasonable. There were enough birdie opportunities to get the winning score into double-digits and enough trouble to punish bad shots.  In the end, the USGA mission was accomplished, it identified the best player.

It also identified for us a nice man, a gracious winner and a player with a very bright future.

There were plenty of side stories and things that transpired over those four days at Pebble Beach, here are a few of them:

Tiger Woods never looked comfortable physically in the weather conditions and admitted so by the fourth day.  “When it’s cold like this, everything is achy,” Woods said, describing his body. “It’s just part of the deal.  It’s all the same.  It’s been like that for years.  The forces have to go somewhere and if they’re not in the lower back, they’re in the neck and if not, they’re in the mid-back and if not, they go to the knee.  You name it.”

The Open Championship is always a crap-shoot when it comes to the weather.  Northern Ireland may not be the best place for Woods next month if cool conditions mess with his body.

Brooks Koepka showed that he should be the favorite to win every major championship.  This year he’s gone T2, win and second in the first three.  We’ll make him the favorite right now to win the Open Championship next month at Royal Portrush.

Adam Scott  is still an amazing ball striker but putts like a pig.

Phil Mickelson, now 49-years-old, has basically run out of time when it comes to winning a U.S. Open.  His scatter-gun drives won’t cut it in these championships and his putting is on-and-off.  Phil had no excuses this time, he was on a course he knows well and plays well in the winter.  Phil even praised the USGA — “I’ve got to give it to — hand it to the USGA for doing a great setup.  It’s the best I’ve ever seen.”

Jon Rahm is getting better at this major championship stuff.  Look for him to contend at Royal Portrush.

Rory McIlroy’s  game is still a huge question mark in major championships.  He was in top form coming into Pebble Beach, and by the tournament’s end, he was simply, once again, disappointing.  Too many may fall into that “Rory’s the favorite” dialog for next month’s Open Championship.  Fact is Rory is simply not a great links player and his game isn’t suited for windy conditions.  If it blows at Portrush, he’ll struggle but then again, so will a lot of players.

Chez Reavie and Chesson Hadley  proved that there’s always someone you’d never expect to contend, who does.  Reavie is a journeyman and his tie for third was an eye-opener.  Hadley is a young man with potential and his tie for ninth will surely give him a needed boost for his career.

Viktor Hovland  had one heck of a week.  The low amateur at The Masters snagged low amateur at this U.S. Open.  He tied for 12th and would have earned north of $226,000 as a pro.  He turns pro this week at The Travelers and brings a lot of game with him.  He could be one of those guys who plays well enough in seven events to earn his tour card.

And with that we bid farewell to the U.S. Open.

It’s on to Northern Ireland.  Thirty short days to the first round of the Open Championship!