Choke or not???

[bigoak]

The caddy choked more than the player. A more experienced caddy would have helped with pace and decisions. That is the role of a senior caddy with a a less experienced player. A caddy with extensive US Open experience would have helped the athlete perform to his capability instead of getting out of sync.

[zeg]

It's a choke. A key element of that is being in the lead or in a spot where you easily could be. All he needed was a below-average round for the day and he put together one of the worst (there were some worse rounds IIRC, but not by much). It started early, but as it turned out he could have won with a triple and a double and even par for the other 16 holes. For whatever reason, he unraveled.

It'll be ok. Most players have choked out there at one time or another, and I think he'll bounce back. Hopefully he can find some lessons and keep it together when he has another shot.

[PEZGolf]

One or two mistakes are to be expected from a player not used to having the lead going into the final round of a Major, but mistake after mistake is definitely a sign of choking. One other awful one that I can recall is Greg Norman in the 1996 Masters, when he shot 78 to Faldo's 67---and the Shark started the last round with a 6 shot lead over Nick. It was sickening to watch, and CBS had to keep showing the Shark since he was in the final twosome. At least, NBC could show us other players and stop showing poor Dustin.

[Dave40]

Yup, a choke.

[dbuck]

Puking dog choke. It was precipitated by the poor play and decisions on the second, but he was not able to gather himself and move on. Yes, the course was difficult, but it was a course he was familiar with and had success on. Yet, the pressure of the prize bore so heavily on him. It was a forgivable choke; it should not be career limiting. I cannot even imagine what it would be like to be in that situation.

Choke is a cruel but descriptive term. Especially when applied to younger players trying to break through either for the first win or first major. Think Tom Watson in the 74 US Open at Winged Foot-yet look how he overcame and what he became.

DJ is a talented player and should move past this to do great things. Here is wishing him the best!