Dustin Johnson–the tall, slim, dark-bearded, #1 pro golfer in the world with the swagger walk, rugged look, and Western gunslinger demeanor–grabbed a four stroke lead with a 36-hole total of 136, four under par, in the 118th U.S. Open staged this week at the historic Shinnecock Hills GC, Long Island, New York, today half way through the tournament that he won two years ago. Not to be counted out is Charlie Hoffman, tied for second at even par 140. He’s a guy who has a knack for being in the hunt in majors without winning one yet. In fourth place at 141 stands defending champion Brooks Koepka–a close friend of Johnson and his workout partner in the gym. Tied with Koepka is Ian Poulter–the talkative, emotional, and determined Brit who makes pressure putts like they’re gimmees. He was trailing close behind Johnson until he stumbled with a triple bogie on the 17th hole. And major contenders Henrik Stenson and Justin Rose are right there at 141 as well.
Some of the tournament favorites hit the road due to missing the 36-hole cut of the low sixty scores and ties. One was Jordan Spieth. Another was Tiger Woods, who played with Dustin Johnson. Tiger got off to such an unfortunate start yesterday on the par-four 1st hole by hitting two good shots that still gave him a triple bogey because of the rounded, elevated green. No matter what Tiger’s stats are tee-to-green, he is swinging so much better. His putter has been letting him down. When golfers age, the nerves aren’t as good, and it shows up most in putting. But if Tiger’s health holds, I think he is still capable of coming back and winning again. He has had some good tournaments this year before faltering somewhat in the last round.
Phil Mickelson came back with a 69 after a 78 yesterday, making the cut and thus surviving for another two days.
The weather was windy, gusting to 25 miles per hour, with some rain early in the day. And that’s when Johnson and Woods played. So, Johnson actually had maybe a two-to-three shot disadvantage compared to the other half of the field. That’s more of an issue in the U.S. Open than other tournaments, since the field is a little larger, play perhaps slightly slower, resulting in more of a disparity in tee times.
Once again in a major championship, there are a lot of the best players in contention this week going into the weekend. Unless Dustin dusts off the field, it could be another exciting major for the second one this year. But don’t bet against the gunslinger playing his cards right and thus bagging another major this week. After winning last week by six strokes, this long-hitter with an ever-improving putter touch looks like the next big thing in the game of golf.
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