THE US OPEN AT CONGRESSIONAL
The US OPEN at Congressional…remember ’97?
| What I remember most about the US Open in 1997, was Ernie in that red and white striped shirt lifting his arms to the sky when his final putt for par fell on the 18th. He had just played two fabulous shots on the difficult 17th and then rolled his long birdie putt past the hole on the last. I died when it went a good four to five feet by! But when he rolled in the return, it was pandemonium! Ernie was about to win his second US Open in three years. (It won’t be the same finish this year – at least not on the par three 18th; this time, it will end with big drama as the 18th as we new it, is no more. Now, the eventual champion will have to keep it together on a hole that measures 476 meters with water on three sides). The old 18th is now the 10th – going the opposite direction! |
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If you get the Golf magazines, this month you may have read that South Africans are at the helm at Congressional, outside Washington DC. Mike Leemhuis has been the main man for 12 years. His teaching Professional is Sam Frost, David’s brother and the head Superintendent is Dave Hutchinson. Maybe the three together can assist the USGA in setting up a course that will favour another SA win…imagine, that would give the South African’s three of the last four majors! Who’s your pick??? |
| There are some great pairings to follow for the first two days this year – World Number ONE, Luke Donald is teeing off with world Number Two and Three, Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer. The USGA always pairs major winners together – last year’s US Open Champ, Graeme McDowell is paired with Open Champion, Louis Oosthuizen and US Amateur Champion, Peter Uihlein. Three former Masters Champions are together – Charl, Trevor and Zach Johnson. Tiger and Tim Clark are OUT – injured. I’ll be tuned in – you should be too! |
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7:55 a.m.:Graeme McDowell, Northern Ireland; A-Peter Uihlein, Orlando, Fla.; Louis Oosthuizen, South Africa
8:06 a.m.: Henrik Stenson, Sweden; Johan Edfors, Sweden; Fredrik Jacobson, Sweden
8:17 a.m.: Ernie Els, South Africa; Davis Love III, Sea Island, Ga.; Jim Furyk, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.
1:24 p.m.: Steve Stricker, Madison, Wis.; Retief Goosen, South Africa; David Toms, Shreveport, La.
1:35 p.m.: Rory McIlroy, Northern Ireland; Dustin Johnson, Jupiter, Fla.; Phil Mickelson, Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.
1:46 p.m.: Charl Schwartzel, South Africa; Trevor Immelman, South Africa; Zach Johnson, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
With the US Open on tap this weekend, the second qualifying of the Nicklaus Cup – Champion of Champions (finals at Pearl Valley) is also scheduled. All members are encouraged to sign up in the golf shop for this great event.
8:06 a.m.: Henrik Stenson, Sweden; Johan Edfors, Sweden; Fredrik Jacobson, Sweden
8:17 a.m.: Ernie Els, South Africa; Davis Love III, Sea Island, Ga.; Jim Furyk, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.
1:24 p.m.: Steve Stricker, Madison, Wis.; Retief Goosen, South Africa; David Toms, Shreveport, La.
1:35 p.m.: Rory McIlroy, Northern Ireland; Dustin Johnson, Jupiter, Fla.; Phil Mickelson, Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.
1:46 p.m.: Charl Schwartzel, South Africa; Trevor Immelman, South Africa; Zach Johnson, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
With the US Open on tap this weekend, the second qualifying of the Nicklaus Cup – Champion of Champions (finals at Pearl Valley) is also scheduled. All members are encouraged to sign up in the golf shop for this great event.
Special Night! You are all welcome!
After the golf on the day, join us for a special evening at the Links. We say farewell to Andre Gerber, our superintendent and friend for many years. He is off to Mauritius, where he will be the course superintendent at Tamarina Golf Spa and Beach Club.
After the golf on the day, join us for a special evening at the Links. We say farewell to Andre Gerber, our superintendent and friend for many years. He is off to Mauritius, where he will be the course superintendent at Tamarina Golf Spa and Beach Club.
Chef Brad has put together an easy menu at a great price – R95/person – Oxtail Potjie, pineapple pork chops and Boerewors served with savory rice, herbed butternut, mixed salad and braai toasties; Cape brandy pudding and custard for dessert. So you all must be here. Just tell us you are coming so that we may properly prepare! 042-200-4502 to book for golf and the dinner. Bring the entire family. Kids menu and fun for them, TOO.
Upcoming Events
June 16 – Youth Day – Golf competition – all day!
June 18 – The Majors – Jack Nicklaus Qualifier (Member’s event)
June 19 – Father’s Day Lunch at the Links
June 22 – Corperate Challenge at Zwartenbosch (fourball event)
June 29 – “Road Trip” for the members!
July 1 - Big SIX Challenge (top teams advance to th Finals on Oct 1)
July 9 - Ladies’ Invitational (invite up to three friends as your partners)
Cheers for NOW!
Jeff
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