Flogas Brand Ambassador Gary Murphy - The US Open 2024
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The US Open will provide one of the toughest tests in modern majors. The defending champion Wyndham Clark returns after a brilliant win in LACC last year and a hot start to his 2024 season. He seemed like he was moving to the next level early in the season.
It is actually quite interesting the turn in form for him.He threw everything at Scottie Scheffler in March and came away from it battered and beaten.
He will need the inspiration of last year’s win to get him on track this week to have any hope of retaining his crown. Form is a fickle beast in golf and nobody stays hot forever.
The key is not digging too deep on the slumps, and that is the challenge for the defending champion in trying to get back to winning ways.
The hype around Scottie Scheffler is possibly as low as it could be given his form.
If Rory Mcilroy was doing what Scheffler is doing people would be losing their minds!
His level of play is unmatched at the moment, and barring the usual unfair outcomes, that golf can throw at you he will win this year’s edition of his national open.
That is the cool thing about where he is at in this moment. Trying to find a head space to excite him is his biggest challenge.
Trying to win the US Open is his biggest goal. The American players see this as their Mount Rushmore.
The very fact that he is trying to break new ground is a huge asset to him this week.
His game is quite unbeatable at the moment and barring something unforeseen he will win, right?
Thankfully golf doesn’t work like that. It is a very cruel game that can throw up crazy outcomes. Nelly Korda is easily the best female on the planet.
The beauty of Golf is its unpredictability. The crazy thing is the hope that the others are clinging on to. A rising tide is also a factor for the field against Scheffler.
He will inspire others to improve on their performance as they realise that more is required; Schauffele is the perfect example with his win at the USPGA.
I don’t expect a straight forward result to be determined this week as the course will be borderline. This will produce some crazy bad luck and downright unfairness. Keeping a big number off your card for 4 days will be the key to victory.
These greens were not designed to be putted with modern day agronomy. They were designed to be about 3 feet slower that what the players will face. It will give rise to a war of attrition, and the toughest soul and no doubt a big slice of fortune, will be the ultimate components this week. If you beat Scheffler I think you will be crowned champion.
The hopes for the home players are quite strong. All are having fantastic years and should be buoyed by their chances. MCILROY is the clear favourite amongst them and has won 2 of his last 4 starts and 3 times already this season on paper the perfect form coming into a major.
It is hard to believe it is 10 years since his last one but the only way to fix it is by getting it done. He has had many different opportunities and somehow the streak continues.
Would one say that the challenges Pinehurst presents is tailor-made for Rory?
Maybe not, but he is not without great hope. He is playing close to his top level and last year’s runner up finish will be a huge bonus as the challenges mount this week.
If we sway positive on Rory the course will not allow him to become irrational and over aggressive. It might afford him the patience to eeking out a victory.
His goal is to get to Sunday and be part of the conversation. Then it is up to him to lay the demons to rest.
Shane Lowry is having a great season too. We will discard last Sunday. But he is fresh off a big major week, has a win in his bag already and the test paper should suit him very well. Approach play and short game are the key factors this week and he excels at both. I also think the Harrington factor this week will help.
His induction into the Hall of Fame was attended by Lowry and that should be a catalyst for him.
When you are dealing with high performance the tiny details can be powerful 1% gains.The margins are so fine and Lowry is in the bracket of needing some positive inspiration.
Tom McKibbin is breaking ground in the states and he has matured into a fine player. This is a step up in quality for him. Big things were expected from a young age and he has delivered in spades. Rory placed 10th in his first US OPEN and it was a huge catalyst for bigger and better things. That is where Tom is at and hopefully he will have a fantastic week.
He is solely flying the flag on the DP WORLD TOUR and it is great to see him get his crack at an American Major.
Seamus Power is having a rock solid season and just needs a win to cap it off. He is an outsider no doubt at this level but has all the tools to have a huge week. It wouldn’t be far off G Mac winning in Pebble Beach, so very possible if the stars align.
The Liv players will too present a strong challenge. Dechambeau is a former champion and was box office trying to run down Xander at Valhalla.
His power will again be a big advantage but his will need much guile to add to that if he is to add another major. Cam Smith is a US Open fan. The test this week will be similar to the Aussie Sandbelt and it will feel home away from home. If he can find a strong week with the driver he will have to nerve to win.
My two favourite picks are Victor Hovland and Ludwig Aberg. Both are in form and have the skill set to win. Iron play and driving are the hallmarks of Abergs game but possibly his attitude is his greatest asset. No swede has won a US Open and this kid will most likely spend his career breaking ground.This could be the start.
Hovland is back in check after his ridiculously daft decision to change coach last season’s end.
His chance at the USPGA will stand to him and I expect him to be in the mix with excitement in his eyes come Sunday.
All the signs are for a Scheffler stroll to victory but sometimes sport is the greatest disruptor.
Enjoy as it will be compelling viewing.