In 2017 the US Open makes its way to a new course. Erin Hills will make its debut this week and it is sure to get people talking. I haven’t played the course yet, but the pictures and reviews make it seem quite demanding. It will be a different test for the tour pros.
I like to see the majors go to new venues and get some freshness in the rotations. I know Jack Nicklaus may not agree after his recent comments, but I think it can get boring if the US Open is at Winged Foot or Oakmont every year. Those courses have their place in the rota for a reason and should stay there, but some new tracks are good once in a while.
This long course seems to contradict what the USGA has been saying about golf ball distance. It seems to me that you wouldn’t need a course that can stretch past 8,000 yards if the ball is fine. That’s just my outside observation :). The new venue is going to make for some interesting TV viewing. I will be traveling for some, but hope to watch what I can.
A new course always makes picks a little more difficult than they already are. There is no history to go by, but you can pick based on the style of a player’s game. That being said I will say the winner comes out of Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, or Jason Day.
I think the new venue will favor long hitters, which explains my choice of DJ, JT, and Day. I also think their games are suited to the course. Sure they hit it long, but they can also putt well when they are on. We shouldn’t have any issues with the greens like at Chambers Bay so the bombers have an advantage. As for Spieth, I am picking him for the foreseeable future until he gives me a reason not to do so.
Thomas seems ready to me. He played well at the Memorial and was on one hell of a hot streak earlier this year. If he is dialed in I could really see him competing here. Guys seem to be ready to win majors earlier now than they have been in the past save for Tiger. This could be JT’s week.
I will also throw a compensatory pick out there for Rickie Fowler. He is in good form and I think he will eventually take down a major. Why not this week?
I hope you’ve enjoyed my 2017 US Open Preview.
Jimmy
A good choice. But it will come down to who is streaking start Thursday. I am going with Dustin Johnson. With the length at Erin Hills, he has an advantage over most of the field. We shall see.
Cheers
Jim
I think he has a shot if he is fully healthy. That’s why I couldn’t commit to one pick 🙂
Jimmy,
Not many people talking about him yet, but I’m going to take Stenson. He loves smashing his 3 wood which should help him stay out of the fescue. Can’t wait to see how the course plays!
Cheers
Josh
Not a bad choice! If his putter is on he should be right there.