Scottie Scheffler can't hold back as US Open star damages course at Oakmont
Scottie Scheffler was unable to hold back his irritation at the US Open on Thursday. In the run-up to the third major of the year, players had been cautioned about the harsh conditions at Oakmont Country Club.
Tiger Woods has even given out specific advice on how to triumph over the weekend, with Colin Montgomerie, ex-European Ryder Cup captain, chiding top players who lamented the course's tough setup, urging them to "man up" and take on the challenge.
Scheffler, the current world No. 1, found himself amongst those competing to survive during the first round, and despite a remarkable recent form that saw him clinch three out of his last four starts, he seemed to have met his match against the stern test in Pennsylvania.
During the opening round, on the 14th hole, Scheffler was placed 38th at two-over as he strived to find his stride on what was proving to be a difficult day.
Following a strong tee shot, his subsequent attempt landed on the green but sadly not in the spot he had hoped for. Although it initially seemed the ball might be close enough for a putt, it rolled away, resulting in a more challenging stroke.
Realising luck wasn't on his side, Scheffler showed his exasperation by aggressively embedding his club into the turf, leaving behind a divot, reports the Mirror US.
Scheffler's frustration was palpable as he tapped the hole a few more times and trudged over to the green. After the first round, Scheffler was three-over-par, in company with Tyrrell Hatton and Bryson DeChambeau, among others.
The American's struggles at Oakmont bring to mind Woods' cautionary words about the course. Although not competing this year due to an Achilles injury, the 49-year-old offered insight into what players could expect in a video on Sun Day Red before the tournament.
"There is no faking about Oakmont," admitted Woods. "The golf course is big, yes, but it's just - there is no way around it. You just have to hit the golf ball well.
"It favors longer hitters, just because of the degrees, the complexes. It just helps so much to be coming with shorter iron, to be able to sock the ball. It's about missing the ball on correct spots... because if you don't, it's horrible!"
Despite complaints from some top players about Oakmont's tough conditions, Montgomerie insists it's time for them to prove their worth. The forthright 61-year-old shared his views with reporters at Trump International Golf Links in Scotland.
"[Look at] technology now from 30 years ago. The golf ball that we were playing with 30 years ago moved around all over the place. It was soft, it went 20 yards shorter," he exclaimed.
"Now, the golf club development, the drivers, the irons, the putters, look at the putters now, the development in the putters. So, get on with it. For Christ's sake, you've got technology there that is beyond what you would ever, ever dream of.
"Use it and play golf. I mean, at this level, you shouldn't be missing any fairways, unless it's blowing a gale. The research and development that's been poured into the game, man up. Yeah, get on with it."
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