September 17-20
Winged Foot Golc Club, Mamaroneck, New York
$12,500,000
Round 1 Round 3, Round 4
The singer Dinah Washington made famous the song, "What a difference a day makes" and that certainly applied to those playing in Friday's second round at Winged Foot West for this year's US Open championship. Mother Nature stepped to the front and the slap players encountered was a clear wake-up call that the final two rounds will be anything but a walk in the park.
Consider the following --
Thursday's opening round yielded an unprecedented 21 sub-par scores. Friday's second-round yielded just three below the par of 70. What happened? An autumnal-like northeast wind was involved from the moment the sun rose till play came to an end. The wind pattern had players on the defensive and the inability to adjust was apparent on the scoresheet.
Birdie on his second hole and @PReedGolf moves into a tie for the lead at -5. 🐦pic.twitter.com/ywHRQq6A7l
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) September 18, 2020
The course average went from 72.56 - the second-lowest first-round average behind only Baltusrol in 1993 -- to 75.25. That increase of 2.69 strokes from Round 1 to Round 2 is the largest in US Open history -- Pinehurst in 1999 was the previous high at 2.58.
The September time frame has also played a role. Instead of the possibility of scorching heat during the traditional June time frame with the possibility of thunderstorms softening the course -- the cool dry air -- roughly 12 degrees below average -- has only added to the firmness of the A.W. Tillinghast design. Couple the weather with the overall tenacity of a West Course that yields birdies even less so than Scrooge handed out compliments. There were 11 rounds in the 80s on Friday, the most in a single round since 29 were posted in Round 1 at Shinnecock Hills in 2018.
The 36-hole cut came in at six--over-par 146 and given the unpredictability of scoring conditions it's not improbable that someone could make a comeback while those at the top of the leaderboard struggle.
The weekend ahead portends to be a survivor show. Winds will remain in the northerly direction and while velocities may vary -- it's likely to be in the 10-mph range. No bogey-free rounds were recorded through the first two rounds -- matching what happened at Shinnecock Hills in 2018 and before that at Merion in 2013.
Is it likely that the winning score will be over-par as it was in 2006? Hard to say. But as mentioned -- what a difference a day makes.
An eagle to finish Round 2 for @b_dechambeau.
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) September 18, 2020
He's T4. 2 shots back.pic.twitter.com/zUZ7j3mEr1
Patrick Reed holds a one-stroke lead over Bryson DeChambeau with a four-under-par 136 total. There are also a number of players lurking -- but only six players are under-par through the halfway point.
DeChambeau's approach was totally frank. "I want it to play as hard as possible. I feel like there's so many holes out here that I can take advantage of that some people can't. Now that doesn't mean that I'm going to win or anything. You've still got to execute. If I'm hitting the driver far but all over the place, you can't make birdies from the rough. I still have to work on hitting it straight while hitting it far. And that's a unique combo that I'm going to strive (to accomplish) for the rest of my life."
Three-time winner and 15-time major champion Tiger Woods failed to make the cut scoring 73-77 but summed up the reality facing those competing on the weekend.
"The way this golf course is changing and the way it's gotten faster and it's cooler, drier, the greens got a little more bumpy, it's going to be a hell of a test this weekend."
Eyes forward for @TigerWoods. pic.twitter.com/grNOcpqV3N
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) September 19, 2020
World number one player Dustin Johnson amplified a strong belief that those who are trailing are far from out of serious contention if weekend play is solid.
"I think still on this golf course with the conditions that we're supposed to have the next couple days, I don't feel I'm out of it (73-70=143). I'm going to have to play really well, but I like where I'm at. I think obviously two solid rounds and I'm right back in the mix."
Getting near the pin with approach shots will be severely tested. That is the core strength of Winged Foot. The key rests with the USGA in making sure appropriately firm conditions do not drift towards unplayable rock-like conditions. With a range of internal contours and a number of the greensites elevated the wherewithal to get near the pin will only happen with players finding elusive fairways.
Yes, what a difference a day makes.
Some players missing the weekend @USOpenGolf. ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/1NktlsEw0b
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) September 19, 2020
Onward to a weekend in which the physical and mental strength of the players will be front and center.
“The greens finally dried out. It was a difficult afternoon. If there's any breeze [this weekend], over par is winning.” – Adam Scott on his mindset despite being 9 strokes back
In short -- a traditional US Open is shaping up.
Pos.
|
Player |
To Par
|
R1
|
R2
|
Total
|
1
|
Patrick Reed |
-4
|
66
|
70
|
136
|
2
|
Bryson DeChambeau |
-3
|
69
|
68
|
137
|
T3
|
Rafa Cabrera Bello |
-2
|
68
|
70
|
138
|
T3
|
Harris English |
-2
|
68
|
70
|
138
|
T3
|
Justin Thomas |
-2
|
65
|
73
|
138
|
6
|
Jason Kokrak |
-1
|
68
|
71
|
139
|
T7
|
Hideki Matsuyama |
E
|
71
|
69
|
140
|
T7
|
Thomas Pieters |
E
|
66
|
74
|
140
|
T7
|
Xander Schauffele |
E
|
68
|
72
|
140
|
T7
|
Brendon Todd |
E
|
68
|
72
|
140
|
T7
|
Matthew Wolff |
E
|
66
|
74
|
140
|
T12
|
Stephan Jaeger |
1
|
71
|
70
|
141
|
T12
|
Joaquin Niemann |
1
|
68
|
73
|
141
|
T12
|
Louis Oosthuizen |
1
|
67
|
74
|
141
|
T12
|
Jon Rahm |
1
|
69
|
72
|
141
|
T12
|
Bubba Watson |
1
|
72
|
69
|
141
|
T17
|
Tony Finau |
2
|
69
|
73
|
142
|
T17
|
Lucas Glover |
2
|
71
|
71
|
142
|
T17
|
Billy Horschel |
2
|
72
|
70
|
142
|
T17
|
Viktor Hovland |
2
|
71
|
71
|
142
|
T17
|
Webb Simpson |
2
|
71
|
71
|
142
|
T22
|
Daniel Berger |
3
|
73
|
70
|
143
|
T22
|
Thomas Detry |
3
|
71
|
72
|
143
|
T22
|
Dustin Johnson |
3
|
73
|
70
|
143
|
T22
|
Rory McIlroy |
3
|
67
|
76
|
143
|
T22
|
Renato Paratore |
3
|
71
|
72
|
143
|
T22
|
Lee Westwood |
3
|
67
|
76
|
143
|
T28
|
Tyler Duncan |
4
|
73
|
71
|
144
|
T28
|
Zach Johnson |
4
|
70
|
74
|
144
|
T28
|
Cameron Smith |
4
|
71
|
73
|
144
|
T28
|
Will Zalatoris |
4
|
70
|
74
|
144
|
T28
|
Erik van Rooyen |
4
|
70
|
74
|
144
|
T33
|
Lanto Griffin |
5
|
71
|
74
|
145
|
T33
|
Adam Hadwin |
5
|
72
|
73
|
145
|
T33
|
Charles Howell III |
5
|
73
|
72
|
145
|
T33
|
Sungjae Im |
5
|
70
|
75
|
145
|
T33
|
Shugo Imahira |
5
|
71
|
74
|
145
|
T33
|
Romain Langasque |
5
|
71
|
74
|
145
|
T33
|
Danny Lee |
5
|
70
|
75
|
145
|
T33
|
Adam Long |
5
|
71
|
74
|
145
|
T33
|
Sebastián Muñoz |
5
|
71
|
74
|
145
|
T33
|
John Pak (a) |
5
|
69
|
76
|
145
|
T33
|
Taylor Pendrith |
5
|
71
|
74
|
145
|
T33
|
Rory Sabbatini |
5
|
69
|
76
|
145
|
T33
|
Adam Scott |
5
|
71
|
74
|
145
|
T33
|
Michael Thompson |
5
|
70
|
75
|
145
|
T33
|
Matt Wallace |
5
|
70
|
75
|
145
|
T33
|
Bernd Wiesberger |
5
|
73
|
72
|
145
|
T49
|
Abraham Ancer |
6
|
71
|
75
|
146
|
T49
|
Christiaan Bezuidenhout |
6
|
70
|
76
|
146
|
T49
|
Patrick Cantlay |
6
|
70
|
76
|
146
|
T49
|
Paul Casey |
6
|
76
|
70
|
146
|
T49
|
Jason Day |
6
|
72
|
74
|
146
|
T49
|
Rickie Fowler |
6
|
69
|
77
|
146
|
T49
|
Chesson Hadley |
6
|
73
|
73
|
146
|
T49
|
Brian Harman |
6
|
74
|
72
|
146
|
T49
|
Lucas Herbert |
6
|
72
|
74
|
146
|
T49
|
Ryo Ishikawa |
6
|
72
|
74
|
146
|
T49
|
Shane Lowry |
6
|
76
|
70
|
146
|
T49
|
Robert MacIntyre |
6
|
74
|
72
|
146
|
T49
|
Troy Merritt |
6
|
72
|
74
|
146
|
T49
|
Alex Noren |
6
|
72
|
74
|
146
|
CUT
|
Byeong Hun An |
7
|
71
|
76
|
147
|
CUT
|
Corey Conners |
7
|
71
|
76
|
147
|
CUT
|
Joel Dahmen |
7
|
73
|
74
|
147
|
CUT
|
Matthew Fitzpatrick |
7
|
74
|
73
|
147
|
CUT
|
Takumi Kanaya (a) |
7
|
72
|
75
|
147
|
CUT
|
Martin Kaymer |
7
|
71
|
76
|
147
|
CUT
|
Chan Kim |
7
|
71
|
76
|
147
|
CUT
|
Kurt Kitayama |
7
|
70
|
77
|
147
|
CUT
|
Collin Morikawa |
7
|
76
|
71
|
147
|
CUT
|
Davis Thompson (a) |
7
|
69
|
78
|
147
|
CUT
|
Paul Barjon |
8
|
77
|
71
|
148
|
CUT
|
Keegan Bradley |
8
|
75
|
73
|
148
|
CUT
|
Tommy Fleetwood |
8
|
74
|
74
|
148
|
CUT
|
Mackenzie Hughes |
8
|
72
|
76
|
148
|
CUT
|
Shaun Norris |
8
|
69
|
79
|
148
|
CUT
|
Andy Ogletree (a) |
8
|
71
|
77
|
148
|
CUT
|
Ryan Palmer |
8
|
73
|
75
|
148
|
CUT
|
Kevin Streelman |
8
|
73
|
75
|
148
|
CUT
|
Andy Sullivan |
8
|
71
|
77
|
148
|
CUT
|
Gary Woodland |
8
|
74
|
74
|
148
|
CUT
|
John Augenstein (a) |
9
|
74
|
75
|
149
|
CUT
|
Si Woo Kim |
9
|
72
|
77
|
149
|
CUT
|
Matt Kuchar |
9
|
74
|
75
|
149
|
CUT
|
Sandy Scott (a) |
9
|
75
|
74
|
149
|
CUT
|
Preston Summerhays (a) |
9
|
72
|
77
|
149
|
CUT
|
Paul Waring |
9
|
72
|
77
|
149
|
CUT
|
Daniel Balin |
10
|
73
|
77
|
150
|
CUT
|
Jim Herman |
10
|
73
|
77
|
150
|
CUT
|
Jazz Janewattananond |
10
|
73
|
77
|
150
|
CUT
|
Matt Jones |
10
|
76
|
74
|
150
|
CUT
|
Michael Lorenzo-Vera |
10
|
73
|
77
|
150
|
CUT
|
Adrian Otaegui |
10
|
71
|
79
|
150
|
CUT
|
Victor Perez |
10
|
76
|
74
|
150
|
CUT
|
Justin Rose |
10
|
73
|
77
|
150
|
CUT
|
Connor Syme |
10
|
75
|
75
|
150
|
CUT
|
Jimmy Walker |
10
|
72
|
78
|
150
|
CUT
|
Danny Willett |
10
|
77
|
73
|
150
|
CUT
|
Tiger Woods |
10
|
73
|
77
|
150
|
CUT
|
Brandon Wu |
10
|
74
|
76
|
150
|
CUT
|
Chun-An Yu (a) |
10
|
70
|
80
|
150
|
CUT
|
Cameron Champ |
11
|
73
|
78
|
151
|
CUT
|
Cole Hammer (a) |
11
|
77
|
74
|
151
|
CUT
|
Marc Leishman |
11
|
73
|
78
|
151
|
CUT
|
Tom Lewis |
11
|
74
|
77
|
151
|
CUT
|
Curtis Luck |
11
|
75
|
76
|
151
|
CUT
|
Chez Reavie |
11
|
75
|
76
|
151
|
CUT
|
Henrik Stenson |
11
|
74
|
77
|
151
|
CUT
|
Steve Stricker |
11
|
74
|
77
|
151
|
CUT
|
Ricky Castillo (a) |
12
|
73
|
79
|
152
|
CUT
|
Tyrrell Hatton |
12
|
74
|
78
|
152
|
CUT
|
Kevin Kisner |
12
|
76
|
76
|
152
|
CUT
|
Kevin Na |
12
|
75
|
77
|
152
|
CUT
|
Ian Poulter |
12
|
75
|
77
|
152
|
CUT
|
JC Ritchie |
12
|
74
|
78
|
152
|
CUT
|
Brandt Snedeker |
12
|
75
|
77
|
152
|
CUT
|
Richy Werenski |
12
|
73
|
79
|
152
|
CUT
|
Justin Harding |
13
|
77
|
76
|
153
|
CUT
|
Lee Hodges |
13
|
76
|
77
|
153
|
CUT
|
Dan McCarthy |
13
|
76
|
77
|
153
|
CUT
|
Phil Mickelson |
13
|
79
|
74
|
153
|
CUT
|
J.T. Poston |
13
|
71
|
82
|
153
|
CUT
|
Branden Grace |
14
|
75
|
79
|
154
|
CUT
|
Rasmus Hojgaard |
14
|
77
|
77
|
154
|
CUT
|
Max Homa |
14
|
78
|
76
|
154
|
CUT
|
Mark Hubbard |
14
|
76
|
78
|
154
|
CUT
|
Eddie Pepperell |
14
|
78
|
76
|
154
|
CUT
|
Davis Riley |
14
|
79
|
75
|
154
|
CUT
|
Matthias Schwab |
14
|
77
|
77
|
154
|
CUT
|
Jordan Spieth |
14
|
73
|
81
|
154
|
CUT
|
Sami Valimaki |
14
|
78
|
76
|
154
|
CUT
|
Sergio Garcia |
15
|
74
|
81
|
155
|
CUT
|
Ryan Vermeer |
15
|
78
|
77
|
155
|
CUT
|
Graeme McDowell |
16
|
76
|
80
|
156
|
CUT
|
Marty Jertson |
17
|
76
|
81
|
157
|
CUT
|
Lukas Michel (a) |
17
|
80
|
77
|
157
|
CUT
|
James Sugrue (a) |
17
|
78
|
79
|
157
|
CUT
|
Scott Hend |
18
|
74
|
84
|
158
|
CUT
|
Ryan Fox |
19
|
74
|
85
|
159
|
CUT
|
Sung Kang |
20
|
74
|
86
|
160
|
CUT
|
Greyson Sigg |
20
|
75
|
85
|
160
|
CUT
|
Eduard Rousaud (a) |
21
|
76
|
85
|
161
|
WD
|
Andrew Putnam |
8
|
73
|
|
73
|