Phil Mickelson was the favorite heading into the first round of the 110th U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. But that isn't a shock? The 4 time major champion has finished second in the United States Open five times, and not to mention, Pebble Beach was the site of Mickelson's pro debut. Unfortunately for Phil, he shot 75. I am not writing him off, but the day belonged to NCAA golfers. Tied for the lead at 2 under par, Hudson Swafford (left) is playing in his first U.S. Open. He redshirted this past season at the University of Georgia because of chronic shoulder problems. In 2008 and 2009, the 22 year old Swafford earned 2nd team All-America honors.
Morgan Hoffman sits just two shots off the pace at even par. A native of New Jersey, the 20 year old posted two 67s to qualify for the U.S. Open. Oddly enough, he won the Phil Mickelson award in 2009, as the nation's top freshman. Hoffman, currently a sophomore, earned 1st team All-America honors as a freshman. He lost in the NCAA title match this past season.
Although not a college attendee, Japan's Ryo Ishikawa appears to be the youngest golfer primed for contention come Sunday at Pebble Beach. He has already been profiled on NextGenSports, and Ishikawa's maturity on the golf course has been described by Tiger Woods as "otherwordly." One radio analyst contended that Ishikawa is so impressive compared to other athletes. He mentioned that at 18 year old in football, baseball or basketball, one would likely be in college, merely refining his/her skills. Not for Ishikawa. After shooting a 1 under 70, he is for real. Just look at his spot in the World Golf Rankings. His is in the top 50, at number 47, and clearly, the Japanese phenom is here to stay.
Back to the NCAA, the low round of day belonged to another golfer with ties to collegiant ranks. He is a graduate of Virginia Tech, albeit a native of Zimbabwe. Brendon de Jonge carded an eagle of the par 5 14th hole deemed by certain golf pundits as the hardest par 5 in golf. As an avid videogamer whose has battled the treacherous layout of Pebble Beach, I can contend that number 14 is literally impossible. Par on that hole is a good score. de Jonge ended up shooting 69.
Carding a 69 as well, alongside de Jonge, sat Englishman and former number 3 player in the world, Paul Casey. He certainly is no stranger to contending in majors, just look at the Masters in 2008. Yet, this Arizona State graduate has struggled in competition in the States. Most of the Casey's wins and World Rankings' points have come on the European Tour. I don't mean to downplay Casey as a possible contender, but I wonder if this David Leadbetter pupil can get it done. Seriously, when was the last time not only an Englishman but a European won a U.S. Open? 40 years ago, Tony Jacklin triumphed at Hazeltine in Minnesota.
Look for de Jonge, playing in his first U.S. Open to falter. I doubt many have him winning the entire championship. Casey should fade, too. Dustin Johnson is a name to watch. He has won the last 2 times at this course for the annual PGA Tour stop, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. At 1 under and possessing a keen sense of Pebble Beach's devishly quick greens, Johnson appears to primed for contention at the 110th U.S. Open. Don't forget: Johnson has been playing steadily all season long.
-DR
Very creative post
ReplyDelete