So should Jordan Spieth have played the John Deere Classic the week before he tries for the third leg of the Grand Slam at St. Andrews? When you go out and win, it’s hard to second guess that decision.
Honestly, I think it was a wise decision on his part, the big winner’s check not withstanding. By playing his way into Open Championship week, Spieth avoids having too much free time to think about it. Not to mention he avoids a number of extra pressers where he’d be asked what the Grand Slam would mean to him and does he think he can do it.
Are you stoked for the British Open? Let’s hit the links.
Hole #1: Women’s Open
In Gee Chun shot a final round 66 that was good enough to take the U.S. Women’s Open in her first try when Amy Yang bogeyed the final hole to miss a playoff at -8. Stacey Lewis finished T-3 with Inbee Park at -5. [Link]
Hole #2: Make it Four
Jordan Spieth (-20) got his fourth win of the year when Tom Gillis found the water hazard on the second playoff hole of the John Deere Classic. Spieth made a no-stress par to seal the win. Zach Johnson and last week’s winner Danny Lee finished T-3 at -19. Next stop, St. Andrews. [Link]
Hole #3: Rickie Rules
Raphael Jacquelin nearly holed out on 18 to tie, but Rickie Fowler’s -12 held up for a big win in the Scottish Open at Gullane. Think this adds to the intrigue for next week’s Open Championship? [Link]
Hole #4: A Rory-less Open
ICYMI: World #1 Rory McIlroy will not be teeing it up at next week’s Open Championship at St. Andrews due to an ankle injury sustained while kicking a soccer ball around with friends. So, should Rory not behave like a 26-year-old? [Link]
Hole #5: Stallings Suspended
The PGA TOUR slapped a 90-day suspension on Scott Stallings after he self-reported inadvertently taking the supplement DHEA. He had been prescribed the supplement by his doctor. [Link]
Hole #6: The Swing According to Lee
Fix the leak, don’t rebuild the house… I wonder who Trevino’s talking about? [Link]
Hole #7: Trumped
First, ESPN decided to move the Stuart Scott Memorial golf event from a Trump course, then the PGA TOUR announced that the Grand Slam of Golf would be not be held at Trump National Los Angeles. [Link]
Hole #8: USGA Bans Caddie
The USGA ousted #10 ranked Sei Young Kim’s caddie from the U.S. Women’s Open for taking photos of course setup notes and pin positions prior to the championship. Veteran caddie Paul Fusco was escorted from the grounds during a practice round. His future on the LPGA tour, and elsewhere, could be in question. With substitute caddie Steve Shellard on the bag, Kim finished T-42. [Link]
Hole #9: Soccer Hearts Golf
Last Sunday, Carli Lloyd propelled the U.S. Women's National Team to victory in the World Cup. In a year or two, she plans to marry a golf pro. Meet Brian Hollins. [Link]