Five talking points after the third round of the US Open at Pebble Beach, from JOHN GOLIATH.
Have the USGA toppies gone soft?
What a difference a year makes. In 2018 at Shinnecock Hills, the world’s best moaned about the brutal set-up. The course was long, the rough resembled a jungle and greens were running like Usain Bolt. Brooks Koepka won the tournament with a 1-over par score of 281, 17 shots worse than his first US Open victory at Erin Hills the year before. This year has been a lot easier, and everybody is happy. Seems like the people at the USGA are losing their touch.
Is Tiger’s back his new scapegoat?
Tiger struggled for consistency with his irons on Saturday, mixing the wayward with the sublime throughout his round. It was in stark contrast to his performances at the Masters and last year’s PGA Championship where he was properly dialed in. Afterwards, Woods said these days ‘his back impacts every shot he plays’ and its better in warm weather. Chief, the Open Championship is at Royal Portrush this year, best take some Deep Heat to Ireland then.
Brooks Koepka lurking like Anaconda on ETV
Gary Woodland and Justin Rose will be nervously looking over their shoulders on Sunday. Defending champion Koepka is sitting in the bushes, ready to pounce after a 3-under par score on moving day put him in prime position to have a full go. Koepka will tee off in the second last group alongside Chez Reavie, which will make it even more interesting. Koepka likes a fight and is definitely going to come out swinging hard.
But, King Louis is also perfectly placed for a Sunday charge
Louis ‘I’ll rise up’ Oosthuizen is still very much in the mix at 7-under par, four strokes behind the leader Woodland. His final round challenges in majors over the last few years have been epic, but unfortunately he hasn’t been able to seal the deal. He has another opportunity on Sunday to try and double his Major tally. The Mossel Bay resident has played really well over the last three days. With a bit of luck he could be crowned the king of Pebble Beach.
Justin Walters, he’s one of our own …
Walters went into the week with the England flag next to his name after qualifying for his first US Open. He started off with two 1-over par rounds to make the cut. It’s something to be really proud of. However, he shot a 77 on Saturday shortly after the guys running the PGA Tour website correctly changed the flag next to his name to the South Africa one. Eish … But don’t worry Justin, unlike Andy Murray, who is British when he won and Scottish when he lost, you will always be our South African boy!
Photo: Christian Petersen/Getty Images
