Hello from Chambers Bay. Unfortunately, what I thought was one of the most entertaining opening rounds of any recent US Open I can remember, has resulted in two major stories on the morning after….neither of which are very positive…the condition of the putting surfaces, and the play of Tiger Woods.

Initially, throughout the majority of the practice rounds, the overall reaction of the players to the new and previously untested for a US Open, Chambers Bay Golf Course was favorable. But after a warm and dry two week stretch of weather heading into the week, the USGA has been forced to put a considerable amount of water on the greens at night, in order to keep them from getting too firm and unplayable. Because of that the predominantly fescue grass surfaces are seeing the Poa leaves pop up, particularly as the day goes on and the greens tend to get bumpy and more difficult to putt. Consequently, the practice range this morning was full of golfers grousing about the greens….several even saying they are the worst championship greens they’ve putted on. I say get over it, if you want to contend for the championship…a good attitude  is critical to success here, and by the way, everyone has to putt the same greens and there were two opening rounds of 65.

As for Tiger Woods, I really don’t know what to make of his performance yesterday…his 3rd round in the 80s in the last 15 he has played. Clearly, he is totally confused on the course, and at times after hitting a really poor shot yesterday, looked very lonely out there to me. The amazing thing once again is, that he appeared to have another really sharp and productive session on the practice range before he teed off. He simply is not able at this stage, to take it from the range to the first tee. It appears to me like he is still too consumed by mechanics and technique on the course, and not really playing golf. If I could play a round with Tiger, I would suggest using 3 clubs only, not a full set of 14. I think if he had to manufacture shots with unusual club selections, it would cause the man who once played the greatest golf ever played, to be more instinctive and play more by feel. That would be a good thing…