Comedy of errors at Pebble Beach

…..but Graeme McDowell, the man with the best sense of humour, had the last laugh. As ever, the U.S. Open produced plenty of drama, as is the norm with all four majors.  Usually, the fireworks begin over Sunday’s final nine holes, but at Pebble Beach, overnight leader Dustin Johnson’s unexpected collapse came as early as the 2nd. hole. This triggered a series of elementary errors from all the main contenders except Gregory Havret and McDowell, both of whom just played steady, unspectacular golf on a scary golf course, made scarier by the poor condition of the greens. This is not to say that neither was capable of producing great shots when required – McDowell in particular proved his credentials just a couple of weeks previously in the Wales Open – but both kept their heads when golf’s greats – Woods, Mickelson and Els included – lost theirs’.  It’s strange that McDowell should be the first European in 40 years to win the U.S. Open when such illuminaries as Ballesteros, Faldo and Montgomerie have all had so many tilts at it.  But with (arguably) more talented players such as Westwood, Casey and Poulter ahead of him in the betting as possible winners, McDowell proved that talent alone is not enough to win under pressure, and pressure cannot be more intense than on the final day of one of the four Majors.  McDowell has now secured his place in Europe’s Ryder Cup side and can look forward to furthering his career on the other side of the pond, where he obviously feels at home. It couldn’t happen to a nicer bloke.

Tags: US Open