Celebs Played Bethpage and Shot...

[msd3075]

People keep talking about "US Open conditions" and forgetting that these "conditions" include the camera crews watching your every move, the gallery staring you down as you approach every shot, and the pressure of having to follow your typical routine in a completely different atmosphere.

There is more to it that just course setup.

[mcfc_nick]

People keep talking about "US Open conditions" and forgetting that these "conditions" include the camera crews watching your every move, the gallery staring you down as you approach every shot, and the pressure of having to follow your typical routine in a completely different atmosphere.

ye but pros are completely used to that anyway!

[microcrayfish]

<.< The whole point of this was to see how amateurs would do on a pro course under pro conditions.

Yeah but there's a difference between pro conditions and U.S. Open conditions. Major courses are usually set up harder than the average pro tournament.

I just figured that perhaps the greens would be quickened up to the speed they want them at for the U.S. Open a bit closer to the start at the tournament because as far as I know it's hard to keep greens that fast for a long time.

[wrx_junki]

Can't wait to go see where they are playing from. I've played the Black and thought the tips were outrageous since at times they were like 50 or more yards behind us. Just a question, was there another major that was longer than this year's US Open?

[msd3075]

ye but pros are completely used to that anyway!

And that's why the "pros" in the group shot closer to their handicap. How many amateur basketball players could pull off a clutch Michael Jordan jump shot or throw a perfect TD pass like Roetlehoweveritsspelledburger? Not many.

[Lemay427]

Very impressive for the celebs. This course will play easier than the last two us opens, but will still be a test. I predict 5 or 6 under for the win.

[Parker0065]

I understand slope and course ratings, but even still, these ratings are based on the judgement of the examiner. What that means is not all 3-handicappers are created equal nor do they all stand a chance at shooting well at a US Open course. The fact is there are plenty of 3-handicappers out there that don't get the ball out there much more than 230-240 with the driver and that gives you pretty much no chance at a Open venue.

I was very disappointed to see Golf Digests choice of finalists again this year! You need at least a guy that can average 270 off the tee! That poor guy from last year(God rest his soul) couldn't hit the ball much over 240 from what I remember! He had no chance, but I am glad he got the oppertunity considering his condition!

This whole deal reminds me of the movie "Bagger Vance" when they are having a town meeting about who they are going to have represent Savannah. The Mayor says there's only one man for the job and that is Savannah's own Endiby "Cotton Mouth" Cunningham. Then the crowd erupts laughing and one man say's "He's 80 years old, he needs one caddie to carry his golf clubs and another two caddies to carry him",,,lol! Then the kid speaks up, "What about Captain Juno"?

When will Golf Digest stop feeding us these Endiby "Cotton Mouth Cunningham's and give us Captain Juno! My guess is never because it fits into thier mystic of their contest that no one can break 100 at a US Open venue!

Bring on Captain Juno,,,lol!

[iacas]

I understand slope and course ratings, but even still, these ratings are based on the judgement of the examiner.

Not really. There are formulas for everything. I rate courses for the WPGA and there's almost no room for "judgment."

I agree that not all 3 handicappers are created equal.

When will Golf Digest stop feeding us these Endiby "Cotton Mouth Cunningham's and give us Captain Juno! My guess is never because it fits into thier mystic of their contest that no one can break 100 at a US Open venue!

Tiger said a 10 handicapper (and he said it at Oakmont), so why should we get a good golfer? The whole premise is based on a 10-ish handicapper.

[mlnancejr]

I highly doubt that the contest winner really cared about what he shot. Yes he was probably unnerved by cameras, the gallery, etc. but hell I could shoot a 149 and still be happy I got to play with and around those celebrities. I would just more enjoy the experience than anything else.

[Parker0065]

Tiger said a 10 handicapper (and he said it at Oakmont), so why should we get a good golfer? The whole premise is based on a 10-ish handicapper.

I was going on the preface that Golf Digest(or the voters) chose a 3.8 handicap player. I guess they broke Tiger's rule,,,lol! But your right that we don't have to have a good golfer try this, but for me it adds to the intrigue to see if a single digit handicaper can handle it. As far as slope and course ratings, if you rate courses then you would know a lot more about it than I do. It would be interesting to know what the slope is for Beth Page set up for the US Open. Anyone know?

[iacas]

As far as slope and course ratings, if you rate courses then you would know a lot more about it than I do. It would be interesting to know what the slope is for Beth Page set up for the US Open. Anyone know?

Impossible to know. Guessing, probably something like 153 and 78.

[Parker0065]

Impossible to know. Guessing, probably something like 153 and 78.

Yep, I figured it had to be up there pretty high!

[Leftygolfer]

That was a heck of a round by rothselberger. I am sure anyone on here would care what they shot. I would but I wouldn't expect much. Golf is hard and to think because you are a 3 doesn't make you imune to the bad day. A couple out of bounds with the nerves that come with that kind of pressure, a couple really bad putts, here comes 90. A good day for a 3 at that course is an 81 or so. I remember seeing an player in the masters on 18 hit one so fat, I mean half way to the green fat. He was an amateur but I am sure one of the top ones in the world. I don't think you can overestimate how pressure effects your ability to play golf. Your mind and body are so different that it is a different game. What is that saying "there is golf and then there is tournement golf". (I know I can not spell)

Also, I don't doubt Jordan's handicap. It doesn't take a pretty swing to be a 3.

[RC]

If I just heard and understood Ken Perry's assesment of Bethpage Black, the greens are not fast today, they are soft and receptive, and the rough is playable unless in the deeper cuts. So he is predicting par or under par for this year. It would appear the course is set up easier than some years.

[mirv]

"bethpage black" sounds so menacing to my ears for some reason. it sounds like it should be the name of a spaceship in a movie set in the not too distant future, and it got sucked into another dimension. and then the ship came back and it was aliiiivvveee.

bethpage black. starring sam neill and lawrence fishburn.

[RandomRaiderTTU]

I won't discount the guy's handicap. He could very well be a 3.5 or whatever, but if he is a 3.5 and only hits his driver 230...he's going to get eaten up.

I want to see someone with a 9 handicap who can routinely drive the ball 270+ get out there and try to tame the course. I'm betting he could break 100 rather comfortably (~86-95 probably).

Quit putting guys out there that have no chance at contending with the length of the course regardless of handicap.

[iacas]

I want to see someone with a 9 handicap who can routinely drive the ball 270+ get out there and try to tame the course. I'm betting he could break 100 rather comfortably (~86-95 probably).

You think a 9 handicapper could shoot 86? You're nuts.

I'm a 3. I played fairly well and barely broke 86 at Oakmont after the Open and I putt on really fast greens with a lot of slope.

[DavidFehertysBike]

Im a 4 that drives the ball 270 and ive only broken 80 at black once out of 6 rounds - in normal conditions. The walk (and you have to walk) wears you out just as much as the golf course does. Getting on the greens is such a great relief... you feel like youre coming home after a hard days work at a steelmill.