Golf's Toughest Test

by: Jeff

When it comes to golf, there isn't much I don't like. I've been playing the game for about 20 years now and can say that I'm enjoying it now more than ever. Not only playing, but watching. Sure, it was enthralling to watch Tiger Woods dominate the early 2000s, but was it really exciting?

Watching Tiger win a Masters tournament by the largest margin in golf history is amazing, but not much fun to watch. This year we've already been graced with one of the most exciting majors that I can remember. The way Day 4 unwound in Augusta, GA with Bubba Watson's miracle "duck hook" out of the woods and pine straw to win the Masters in extra holes was inspirational. Watson is a professional golfer and has never taken a lesson before. You think any other pro golfer can say that? I doubt it. Watson's creativity, along with the new names atop the leader board made for some phenomenal golf over the 4 day span. Next up, the US Open.

I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the 2011 US Open at the Congressional Country Club in Washington, DC. It isn't far from where I live, and it was fitting that my father, brother, and myself were able to attend this event...

it was the first Major we've ever attended in person. Last year's US Open wasn't one of much excitment (except for me since I was there on Saturday), but will this year's US Open be a memorable one? I've always enjoyed the Masters as my favorite major, but the US Open is a very close second. I love to see those players who actually qualify to the tournament and see how they compete. It isn't like the other "invitation only" tournaments, but you can actually play your way into "Golf's Toughest Test"...the US Open. A chance to try your hand at the 7,000+ yd course, the nasty rough, and the greens that are like putting on glass.

I often think of the movie, Tin Cup, where a lowly driving range pro, Roy McAvoy from Salome, Texas, qualifies to the US Open and finishes in dramatic fashion. I get it...its a movie and not real life, but in real life there are every day people that qualify for the tournament and that is what makes it fun to watch.

I know what you might be thinking, "Are you expecting Ty Webb to walk out of the clubhouse with Danny Noonan on the bag?"...and the answer is "no". However, there is always that chance that some no name golfer goes out for 4 days and bests some of the great names in golf: Mickelson, Furyk, Garcia, Johnson, McIlroy, Watson, and yes Tiger Woods. It will be a difficult task to accomplish as the US Open moves to the West Coast (San Francisco) to the famed Olympic Club. The tournament will begin June 14th-17th and as of right now I feel it is anyone's game. The Memorial is going to be played this weekend as a tune up for alot of players (especially Masters' Champ Bubba Watson who has taken a month off from the game) as they gear up for the Open.

You want my prediciton? Well hopefully I can track Danny down and we can provide those for you before the tournament begins. In the meantime, here is to all the underdogs that have qualified for golf's toughest test...

Feel free to leave your US Open predicitions in the "Comments" section below.