US Open 2024 Pinehurst

[Lennys Tap]

Bryson is playing great.   But, I can't bring myself to root for him.

That's too bad, but he'll be the overwhelming favorite of the crowd today. Big personality, big game - on his way to becoming the USA's most popular player.

[MU82]

That's too bad, but he'll be the overwhelming favorite of the crowd today. Big personality, big game - on his way to becoming the USA's most popular player.

Fans love winners. If this new fan-friendly personality of his is legit and, mostly, if he continues to be really, really good at golf, he'll be very popular. I've enjoyed watching him this week.

Justin Thomas is, by most accounts, a good guy who interacts with fans well. He was popular for a minute ... until he stopped being one of the best players on tour. So we'll see. Golf's a tough game, and very few golfers remain among the best for years and years.

DeChambeau also chose to play on a tour that limits his exposure, for better or worse.

[The Sultan]

That's too bad, but he'll be the overwhelming favorite of the crowd today. Big personality, big game - on his way to becoming the USA's most popular player.

Yet is employed by an arm of a repressive foreign government whose aim is to dismantle the system that has built professional golf in this country.

[tower912]

Lenny, if he hadn't defected, I would probably be able to enjoy his growing up, maturing, embracing the role of showman and embracing the crowd.   I did not like the younger, less mature version.  When he went to LIV, it guaranteed it would take me longer to warm to him.    If ever.

He is playing beautifully through 3 rounds.

Krank golf is going to sell some drivers.

[Uncle Rico]

Lenny, if he hadn't defected, I would probably be able to enjoy his growing up, maturing, embracing the role of showman and embracing the crowd.   I did not like the younger, less mature version.  When he went to LIV, it guaranteed it would take me longer to warm to him.    If ever.

He is playing beautifully through 3 rounds.

Krank golf is going to sell some drivers.

Bryson has replaced Phil as the games phoniest showman.  Bryson has admitted he watched videos to learn how to celebrate and play to the crowd.  One thing has always been true, fans are idiots and believe anything.  Bryson talks about Payne Stewart as an inspiration, seeing photos of him from his SMU days on campus and working out in the Payne Stewart building when they didn't have pics of Payne up and the building didn't exist when he was there.

The redemption tour he is on is predictable.  Sports media does this better than anyone, overlooking his past as someone who treated tour officials, event volunteers and the general public poorly, if not downright terribly. 

He took money from a regime who is using golf to try and worm its way into international graces.  He willingly walked into this and bemoans what golf has become but doesn't think him or his compatriots who took Saudi money are the ones at fault.  He's wearing the hot dog suit.

He's all that and an incredible golfer who appears capable of winning multiple majors as he moves forward.  The public is embracing him but they embraced Phil for decades thinking the country club kid was the Everyman people's champ, a true family man when that was never the case.

I think he'll win today because he's been the best golfer this week and a deserving champ but redeemed and becoming the face of American golf?  Well, that's a commentary for a deeper discussion.

[MU82]

Yes, at this point, there is a too-good-to-believe component to DeChambeau's act. One doesn't go from scowling dirtbag to beloved figure overnight. But I'm a big benefit-of-the-doubt guy, and some people DO change. So we'll see, over time, how this all works for him.

And again, as far as popularity goes, I'll stick to the "if he golfs well" caveat. There have been lots of legit nice guys on the tour but few remained truly popular when their scores became elevated.

[tower912]

Will there be words between Rory and Cantlay?   Will Cantlay slow play Rory off his game?  Or will Rory use his dislike of Cantlay as fuel?   How far behind will the last two groups be as far as pace?   Will the crowd 'USA' Rory?

If Bryson sticks to fairways and greens, nobody catches him.

[Uncle Rico]

Will there be words between Rory and Cantlay?   Will Cantlay slow play Rory off his game?  Or will Rory use his dislike of Cantlay as fuel?   How far behind will the last two groups be as far as pace?   Will the crowd 'USA' Rory?

If Bryson sticks to fairways and greens, nobody catches him.

I think the tournament ended yesterday barring Bryson fully embracing becoming his generations FIGJAM

[CreightonWarrior]

You guys are just jealous you didn't think of soaking golf balls in epsom salt first.

[JWags85]

Yes, at this point, there is a too-good-to-believe component to DeChambeau's act. One doesn't go from scowling dirtbag to beloved figure overnight. But I'm a big benefit-of-the-doubt guy, and some people DO change. So we'll see, over time, how this all works for him.

And again, as far as popularity goes, I'll stick to the "if he golfs well" caveat. There have been lots of legit nice guys on the tour but few remained truly popular when their scores became elevated.

As far as I remember, he was never a douche to fans/kids/crowds, he was just a weirdo.  Officials and other players?  Yea, no love lost at times.  But he's getting praise for the former which doesn't seem like the biggest turnabout, IMO.

But you're not wrong about popularity, I can't think of many athletes with immense popularity that weren't at or near the top of their game.  And his quirky approach to golf would go from interesting/quirky to annoying for many, right or wrong, if he stops playing well.  I mean, some old basketball coach once said..."When I was losing, they called me nuts. When I was winning they called me eccentric"

[tower912]

Krank golf is going to sell some drivers.

I may have spoken too soon.  Flattened the face of his gamer on the practice range and is using a back up for the final round.

[MU82]

The USA USA chants for DeChambeau crack me up. He plays for the Saudi tour, not the US-based tour, and his choice to do so cost him a chance to represent the USA in the Olympics.

If Rory catches or passes him today, the fans will be plenty geeked about that, too ... even if they don't chant USA USA.

[Herman Cain]

Two low amateurs are in the same group . They are clearly having some fun competing with each other. 

[Herman Cain]

9th hole could be very interesting when the leaders come around to it. Pin position absolutely brutal. Very little landing area, hole location on a severe left to right slope.

[Herman Cain]

Rory second shot at 5 classic Pinehurst. Hits an excellent shot and rolls off the green into the Native Area with a very difficult shot next .

[Uncle Rico]

The USA USA chants for DeChambeau crack me up. He plays for the Saudi tour, not the US-based tour, and his choice to do so cost him a chance to represent the USA in the Olympics.

If Rory catches or passes him today, the fans will be plenty geeked about that, too ... even if they don't chant USA USA.

Fans are idiots.  Golf fans might be the biggest idiots

[Herman Cain]

Rory with an incredible shot at 9 and converted birdie. Provides some momentum .

Tough final hole for Clanton had 5 feet to tie for Low Am and 3 putted.

[cheebs09]

That's a heck of a par for Bryson.

[Herman Cain]

That's a heck of a par for Bryson.

Championship quality putt.

[Herman Cain]

Wow Rory

[Herman Cain]

Bryson not rattled keeps producing.

[Herman Cain]

Rory putter is his friend...Wow again

[MU82]

"Choke" is an overused word. But that was one effen choke job by Rory. He can only watch and hope now.

[Uncle Rico]

"Choke" is an overused word. But that was one effen choke job by Rory. He can only watch and hope now.

That's some Mickelson Sunday at the US Open choke job

[Herman Cain]

"Choke" is an overused word. But that was one effen choke job by Rory. He can only watch and hope now.

Rory snatched Defeat from The Jaws of Victory. Unfortunate.