In the intervening years the USGA, and ultimately the public, have grown accustomed, even sadistically addicted, to the site of a strapping young tour player stumbling through the U.S Open Fun House. I can't psychoanalyze the mentality that encourages that sort of belittlement, but I can see that the USGA has its reasons, namely inexplicable pride. The USGA has been so pleased with its domination of the players, and it's been so well rewarded, that no one wants to see it stop. It's a tradition that each USGA president feels compelled to carry on. It would take either a very na ve or very courageous president to change all that.
Golf is a game.
It's meant to be enjoyed. And while the U.S. Open should certainly be a competition, it should be at least distantly related to its ancestor, the walk in the park. Sadly, come Sunday, June 20, the USGA will crown one champion and about 75 losers. Not one of them will be able to truthfully say he enjoyed his walk. Pro Shop Golfstats Privacy Policy .