The Country Club welcomes golf fans
Golf is really hotting up in Massachusetts, USA where Spain’s first US Open Champion, Jon Rahm is defending his title at The Country Club in Brookline from 16-19 June. His victory by one clear shot of South Africa’s Louis Oosthuizen in 2021 at Torrey Pines GC in San Diego earned the former World Number One golfer the prestigious title on 278 (6-under par).
The third Major of the year promises to be quite a spectacle with the big names in golf from around the world waging a serious battle with each other. When you reflect on the stylish American golfers such as former World Number One Dustin Johnson, the current World Number One and Masters Champion Scottie Scheffler and US PGA winner Justin Thomas, they are all playing at The Country Club.
Other past winners of the US Open such as England’s Justin Rose (2013), Germany’s Martin Kaymer (2014) and Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy (2011) are also competing.
Players with a ‘Z’ in their name are high on the list of US Open expectations too. Twenty-five year old Will Zalatoris, who was born in San Francisco, has had a magical year since tying for sixth in the 2020 US Open at Winged Foot. Whatever the circumstances throw at the young talent, Zalatoris simply shines through.
Thinking of the alphabet, only ‘U’ and ‘X’ are not represented in the players’ gallery for the US Open. Now that is pretty amazing! Even ‘Q’ is represented by Fran Quinn, who at the age of 57, is the oldest player in this year’s field. He qualified for his 5th US Open after surviving a two-hole play-off at Century and Old Oaks Country Club in Purchase, New York.
Thinking of play-offs
Fans of the Dutch Open will welcome the news that the newly-crowned champion from France, Victor Perez is playing in his third consecutive US Open. It’s also interesting to see that the New Zealand player Ryan Fox, who lost to Perez in an exciting 4-hole play-off in Cromvoirt, The Netherlands is at The Country Club in America playing in his fourth US Open.
Exciting times for Dutchman Will Besseling too. He tees off in his first US Open after finishing in the top 10 in a four-event US Open series on the DP World Tour.
Also momentous moments for the amateur Maxwell Moldovan. When you check out his photograph in the players’ gallery you would be forgiven for thinking that he had forwarded an old school picture of himself for publication. But, never fear, the 20-year old from Ohio is already proving himself as a promising talent on the golf scene.
Who has the honour of teeing off first?
Well, that delight goes to three Americans: an amateur in Michael Thorbjornsen playing with Erik Barnes and Matt McCarty. They drive off the first hole at 6.45am. At the same time Fran Quinn (US), Callum Tarren (England) and Hayden Buckley (US) play from the 10th tee.
It promises to be an exciting 122nd edition of the US Open at The Country Club. All I can say is put up your feet, sit back and enjoy the golf!
Wendy Hoad
Editor
MAIN PHOTOGRAPH: Jon Rahm is defending his US Open title as the first ever Spanish winner.