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Merion Golf Club’s East Course – home to this year’s US Open Championship – lies nestled amongst trappings of idyllic suburban life. It shares common boundaries with pristine back lawns of well-to-do residents, a college, and a commuter rail line. The sixth green lies within 150 yards of an 80yo church; its bells “comforting” golfers with their melodious peals every 30 minutes. The course, all 110 acres of it, is tiny when compared to the usual settings required for a modern-day US Open. This year’s championship could not have been staged at Merion without significant cooperation from locals.
This iconic photo shows Ben Hogan hitting his approach to the final green of the 1950 US Open golf tournament at Merion Golf Club.
The USGA’s rather brave decision to select Merion has a lot to do with recognising the events history, along with the legacy provided by this particular golf club. Merion has hosted more USGA championships (this will be its 18th) than any other club in America. And it can certainly boast many iconic moments in the game’s history, including this celebrated shot of Ben Hogan, playing his renowned 1-iron approach on the 72nd hole of the 1950 US Open.
This shot, played from 210 yards and into a stiff breeze, settled on the green from where he two-putted to make par. It enabled him to enter a three-way 18-hole playoff the following day, which he won.
What made the shot so appreciated at the time was the fact that just sixteen months prior, Hogan survived a head-on death-defying crash with a bus that shattered his pelvis. Doctors warned at the time that he may never walk again, let alone play golf. Hogan’s performance that day (36 holes!) was made more meritorious due to what many close to him described as his crippling pain.
The photo here, one of golf’s most famous, has long been recognised as the perfect gift for that special someone who has had to battle against overwhelming odds to achieve their goals. Pattaya golfer Stuart Thompson, currently battling serious injuries in a Canberra hospital, is a perfect case in point. For you, Stu.
The 18th fairway has a plaque marking the spot from where Hogan played his 1-iron. It’s a given that during this week’s practise rounds many pros will drop a ball nearby, and have a go. None of them would carry a 1-iron. They will probably be hitting 5-irons. That Ben Hogan, reckoned by many noted authorities to be the purist ball-striker of all time, needed a club four stronger than today’s pros, sums up the fear about Merion – it has been shrunk by technology.
Traditionally the USGA sets up its Open courses such that the winning score will be around par. Greenkeepers are given explicit instructions on fairway width, length and thickness of rough and green speeds. Merion’s fairways will be an average 23 yards wide. The rough will be penal.
But will it work?
The course, a par-70 measuring 6,996 yards, is short by today’s standards. Nine of the first 13 holes could provide pros the chance to hit wedge into greens which will be slick – unless it rains. The last five holes are tougher. Most will be hitting hybrids and irons off the tees due to the lack of length and the need to avoid the rough.
All four previous Opens at Merion have been won by shot-makers, by players who could shape the flight of those old golf balls around what has long been regarded as a beautiful, charming and testing layout. Merion is still known for its beauty and charm. It is hoped that advances in ball and club technology have not put paid to the latter. We are about to find out.
Who of today’s pros are best suited to such a layout? Who will win?
By the time this column is published the first round will be complete, which makes this exercise a mug’s game, but hey, it’s fun. First, a recap of things Merion:
· Short. Driver will mostly be left in the bag.
· Very narrow fairways. Rough will prohibit second shot to green.
· Greens hard and fast if the rain stays away. Favours good wedge players.
· The winner will have best “fairways hit” statistics.
· Will suit “thinkers” known for their ability to grind.
There are many other factors one could consider, but limiting it to these five, my top ten – with a view to William Hill odds as at 0735 on Monday 10 June – would be:
· T Woods: 9/2 – His weakness stays in the bag. Four recent wins and new GF!
· P Mickelson: 25/1 – Loves Merion and US Opens. Superb wedge player.
· G McDowell: 28/1 – T13 and T2 in US Open since winning in 2010. A grinder.
· J Rose: 28/1 – Leads Tour in driving (accuracy & length). Eighth in GIR.
· L Donald: 33/1 – A hard and dry Merion should suit him perfectly.
· J Furyk: 40/1 – Past champion who epitomises hard grinding.
· S Stricker: 50/1 – Renowned putter and wedge player. Short suits.
· R Fowler: 66/1 – Had a 4-0 match play record vs GB&I in 2009 WC.
· T Clark: 80/1 – Likes short. Consistent GIR. USGA will hope not.
· S Khan: 200/1 – Loved the way he qualified. Same as 2005 winner?
Go Merion!
Happy golfing,
Golfnutter
