As we honour the 124th US Open champion, Payne Stewart’s spirit will be truly alive. During the final round on Sunday, a particular flag showcasing his celebrated air-punching image from his 1999 victory will be utilised. Also in his remembrance, the exact pin location where Stewart scored his triumphant putt, outplaying Phil Mickelson twenty-five years ago, will come to life again. It was a notorious moment which happened just two months before the tragic plane crash which claimed Stewart’s life.
A former fixture behind the 18th green, the bronze statue of Stewart has been moved to the central spectator entry for photo sessions. His family has contributed personal items which are now presented inside a glass cabinet in the triumphant locker room. “I am confident that Payne Stewart is looking down on this event from the heavens with immense satisfaction,” expressed the USGA’s primary championship administrator, John Bodenhamer.
Tom McKibbin, a 21-year-old from Ulster experienced a unique privilege during his round. While play was paused on the sixth hole – his 15th of the opening round – he was able to catch a glimpse of Tiger Woods playing on a neighbouring hole. This was the first time he had seen Woods in action, which he found quite amazing, alongside the staggering crowds that follow him. McKibbin subsequently recorded a 74 during his major league debut, remarking: “The substantial challenge lies in the fact that if you aim too far from the flags and slightly overdo it, it gets strenuous.”
In contrast, Matthieu Pavon, a French player, did not showcase any significant form before the US Open. After doing poorly in the Wells Fargo, tying at 67th position (almost last of those who cleared the cut), he later was eliminated at the US PGA and the Canadian Open.
Pavon, in a candid admission, acknowledged his recent string of disappointing performances at prominent golf tournaments including Quail Hollow, Memorial, and the PGA. He didn’t let these setbacks deter him, however, and bounced back at opening round 67 with a stellar performance that included two eagles on the par-five fifth and par-five tenth holes.
Earlier this year, Pavon bagged a significant win at the Farmers Insurance on his PGA Tour. The oscillating trajectory of his performance has made his game intriguing to the spectators.
The acclaimed Pinehurst No. 2 golf course will once again play host to the US Open and US Women’s Open in 2029, just as it delightfully did back-to-back in 2019. The iconic victories of Martin Kaymer and Michelle Wie are etched in the history of Pinehurst. The trend of hosting both championships at the same venue is also slated for 2034, when Shinnecock Hills in Long Island, New York, is due for hosting.
Meanwhile, seasoned golfer Tiger Woods relayed his physical struggles, explaining that he has been forced to carefully manage his playing schedule to avoid jeopardising his participation in Major championships.
There’s noteworthy news regarding two LIV golfers, Sergio Garcia and Phil Mickelson, who currently hold individual appearance records in the US Open. Garcia, as an alternative entry to Pinehurst, marked his 25th consecutive appearance – the longest active streak; he started with a score of 69. Mickelson chalked up his 33rd career appearance, an unmatched feat amongst current players, despite never having secured a win there. The scene was uncharacteristically grim for Mickelson as he started with a troubling 79.