The most famous comeback in the U.S. Open
began with a question from Arnold Palmer as
he tried to explain how he could win in 1960 at
Cherry Hills despite being seven shots behind.
“Doesn’t 280 always win the Open?” he asked.
The U.S. Open usually plays as a par 70, and
four rounds at even par was 280. That once was
the standard for winning the major known as the
toughest test in golf. Even as Ken Venturi talked
about his 1964 win at Congressional, he noted
becoming only the second player in U.S. Open
history to break 280. This year, such a score was
barely enough to be in the top 10.
to read more.
31-year-old’s emergence from the wilderness
has not been a result of going back to basics,
making great changes to his swing or seeing a
psychologist. “It’s all to do with really enjoying
my life outside the game of golf, doing things I
love to do, like playing football and tennis and
just spending good quality time with the family,”
he said.
to read more.
MAKING MCILROY
When Rory McIlroy blew a four-shot lead at
The Masters in April, those still able to watch the
gruesome images thought they could see a pattern amid the mayhem – the lad is too rash, the
decision-making too wobbly and he can’t putt.
But those who knew McIlroy best saw something
different. They witnessed an irrepressible talent
learn a bit more about his craft and a 21-year-
old, already mature beyond his years, gain more
experience of life’s creeks and hollows. And to
get a second opinion on the putting, they called
in Dave Stockton. The putting maestro met McIlroy a few weeks after his Augusta ordeal and
10 minutes later the young Northern Irishman’s
putting problems were over.
to read more.
REJUVENATED SERGIO
Sergio Garcia has steered his career back on
track by enjoying life away from the course and
hopes his seventh-place finish in the recent U.S.
Open at Congressional CC is
the start of better things
to come. The Spanish
former world No. 2
has slipped down
the rankings since
his much-publicized
relationship with
Greg Norman’s
daughter, Morgan,
ended in March
2009, but his
promising
perfor-
mance at
Congres-
sional could
mark a turn-
GOLF AND THE MOB
The arrest last week of Boston mobster
James “Whitey” Bulger in California brought
some closure to the family and friends of Roger
Wheeler, a Boston millionaire who moved
to Tulsa and was a regular at Southern Hills
Country Club. Wheeler allegedly became one of
Bulger’s estimated 19 murders on May 27, 1981
in the club’s parking lot at the hands of Bulger
hit man John V. Matorano.
“THE MORE THE PLAYERS AND CADDIES SEE IT, THEY’RE GOING TO MAKE THE SWITCH.”
Boo Weekley — PGA Tour Professional
