Pew Pew Pew

I didn't think it was possible, but it actually happened. Our leader, Melissa, scored zero points last weekend. Clearly she didn't analyze the intricacies of TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley when building her roster.

Anyway, we're on to meaningful golf at the US Open this weekend. It's the first time at Oakmont since Dustin Johnson won the 2016 iteration.

Since then they've done a complete restoration, removing basically all trees from the property. This is how the course was envisioned and designed to play, over a links-inspired canvas. The rough will get a lot of attention, but the expanded greens are the real test, especially if they can get them up near 16 on the stimpmeter.

Unfortunately, they've had a lot of rain leading up to the event, so it won't be as firm and fast as the USGA hoped for. This will make it even more of a bombers paradise. It's much better to approach a green from super thick rough with a wedge in your hand, as opposed to a 7-iron. Bryson proved this concept at Winged Foot back in 2020.

Not good for short hitters and hitters who are short.

And while Oakmont has an obsession with keeping the winning score at or above par, I don't think that'll be the case. Look for it to be between -6 and -8. I expect one of the favorites to win, but also a handful of them to miss the cut (I got a bad feeling for my boy Rory).

There will be a lot of commentary on the 300-ish par-3 8th hole, where some players will need to hit driver. Don't get caught up in the fake outrage. The driver is one of your 14 clubs, so there's nothing wrong with expecting you to use it on any given tee. And "par" itself is subjective and meaningless. Figure out how to take the fewest strokes possible, even if that equates to a "bogey." The rest of the field has the exact same challenge.

Enjoy the golf, and good luck!