This US Open marks a generational shift, most notable in the relationship between Charlie and Tiger Woods. The father-son bond has flourished at this championship, with 15-year-old Charlie assisting Woods’ team by observing and commenting on his gameplay. Charlie, despite failing the pre-qualification, has been able to provide advice to his father during practice rounds with Max Homa and Min Woo Lee.
“I have faith in his perception of my swing and my gameplay. No one else on earth has seen me hit as many golf balls as he has. I brief him specifically on putting. He gave me a few helpful pointers today, which was useful, considering I sometimes lose sight of the things I’m developing while focusing on certain putts and pins. Frankly, I just want to watch the balls go. From time-to-time, he jogs my memory which helps me a great deal. We are on the same wavelength and this has been an extraordinary experience for both of us,” commented Woods, a thrice US Open victor, who has been granted a special exemption to participate this year.
Meanwhile, elsewhere on the green, Jon Rahm arrived, confirmed by his courtesy Lexus car in the players’ parking area. Regardless of a recent withdrawal from the LIV Golf event in Texas due to toe infection, the Spaniard is ready to compete for his third Major title.
“The infection was problematic. It’s now under control, there’s still swelling and pain though. We’re making every effort to keep the area dry and heal it as fast as possible. I can only do so much. The human body has limits in how fast it can recover”, Rahm explained.
Fans visiting Pinehurst this year will have easier access to the bronze statue of Payne Stewart – known for his flat cap and plus-fours, and the iconic air-punching fist – as it has been renovated and relocated to a more fan-friendly spot.
Zenos Frudakis’ statue, a freeze-frame of Stewart’s joyous response to nailing a winning putt against Phil Mickelson at the 1999 US Open just two months before his tragic death in an aviation accident, makes a statement. Instead of sitting on its usual spot behind the 18th green with limited spectator access, the sculpture has now been relocated to the primary pedestrian entrance.
Bryson DeChambeau shared his candid opinion, “It’s no joy taking a 6-iron off the tee rather than a driver, but at times you have to do it to ensure the lowest possible score on this course.”
Interesting fact of the day: Phil Mickelson makes his 33rd appearance in the US Open. This is the only accolade missing from his career Grand Slam record. Mickelson, nicknamed ‘Lefty’, has ended up in second place six times in this championship, with the most recent one in 2013.