(Editor's Note: Russ Holden is a PGA Professional and the caddie for World Golf Hall of Fame member and 2004 European Ryder Cup captain Bernhard Langer. He also is CEO of the charitable organization, Caddy For a Cure. Holden's tour diary appears regularly on About.com Golf.)
(This diary entry was filed following Round 1 of the 2005 U.S. Open.)
Today was one cool day at the US Open. Not that much fun, but at least it was cool.
We played really early and had the delight of not having to drink gallons of water to get around. We use the Amino Vital product and I can only say it is fantastic for keeping up energy in torrid conditions like have existed this week at Pinehurst.
We played with Peter Jacobsen and Jay Haas today, and I must say that Peter is without a doubt the most fun guy to play with on Tour. There is not even a close second place when looking to have fun, even in the thick of a U.S. Open. Jay had one of the worst days today, the kind of day that only the U.S. Open can produce, but he never once lost his cool. He played through it all without so much as a grimace. He is one class act!
Peter had one especially funny moment today on the 14th tee. The marshall held his arms up and screamed for the fans to stand still on the path when Peter faked a heart attack to the delight of the crowd. It was really hysterical. This guy always comes up with the funny response. He is just the best to play with.
The USGA was up to its old tricks. The pins were tucked in places that only someone wanting to see a car wreck would place them. I shudder to think about tomorrow as quite a few golfers (by USGA standards) broke par.
Interesting thought of the day: If the USGA rules the handicap system, and most of the PGA Tour players would be plus-5 handicaps or even better, then why is par the number the USGA wants at U.S. Opens? Should not the score of the day be more in line with the handicaps of the players in the field? Why does the USGA (handicap ruler of the U.S.) insist that par should be the target for golfers whose handicaps would be far better than par?
Things that make you go hmmmmmmmm.
