Davis: Windy forecast forces a few setup 'audibles'

SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. – A daunting first-round forecast has already caused USGA setup man Mike Davis to alter his strategy.

Players could face wind gusts up to 30 mph during the opening round here at the U.S. Open.

“I can’t remember going around making so many audibles from the original game plan,” Davis said Wednesday at Shinnecock Hills.

The strong winds are the biggest factor, but Davis said that he needs to be particularly “mindful” of some hole locations and tee markers based on the changing conditions.

Davis viewed the few rain showers Wednesday as a “positive,” because it’ll help “calm the course down and get consistency and firmness” throughout the American-style links.

With plentiful sunshine, moderate temperatures and a steady breeze during the competition days, the USGA purposefully slowed down the greens for the final practice round. They also switched some of the hole locations they had planned for the tournament, trying to ensure that they’re in areas that can handle the increased wind.  

One of the holes they’ve had to take a closer look at: The 491-yard sixth. With a blind tee shot, players are required to carry their drives about 250 yards to reach the fairway. That’s merely a long iron for much of the field, but if a three-club wind turns into the players, suddenly that becomes a tall task.

“If the wind blows really hard, which could happen, it doesn’t matter how you set the course up and the speeds,” Davis said. “You get to the point where it’s like a lightning storm – you just can’t play golf. Hopefully we won’t get to that point, but we’re doing everything we can to be cognizant of it.”

Davis: Windy forecast forces a few setup 'audibles'

Source: Internet

Related Posts

LPGA debuting its own behind-the-scenes documentary

Bryson DeChambeau on Dude Perfect video: ‘Times are changing’

Bryson DeChambeau on Dude Perfect – AUGUSTA, Ga. – Count Bryson DeChambeau among those who was surprised Augusta National green-lit the now viral Dude Perfect video. “Everybody was,” DeChambeau said…

Read more
LPGA debuting its own behind-the-scenes documentary

Brooks Koepka has inkling of what Tiger Woods faces in return at Augusta National

Brooks Koepka – AUGUSTA, Ga. – Brooks Koepka at least has some semblance of an idea of what Tiger Woods is facing this week at Augusta National. Last year, it…

Read more
LPGA debuting its own behind-the-scenes documentary

Fred Couples happy to be getting Tiger Woods texts again at Masters

[ad_1] AUGUSTA, Ga. – Fred Couples has become a regular practice round partner of Tiger Woods at the Masters, but as this year’s tournament approached he didn’t expect to hear…

Read more
LPGA debuting its own behind-the-scenes documentary

Collin Morikawa much better at making golf history than recalling it

[ad_1] Collin Morikawa wants to make history. Remembering it, however, is a different story. Morikawa won two majors, the PGA Championship and The Open, prior to turning 25. He’s the…

Read more
LPGA debuting its own behind-the-scenes documentary

Watch: Masters tweets video of Tiger Woods’ Sunday practice round

[ad_1] Tiger Woods arrived at Augusta National on Sunday afternoon after tweeting that competing in the 86th Masters Tournament would be a “game-time decision.” Woods, around 3:20 p.m. ET, warmed up…

Read more
LPGA debuting its own behind-the-scenes documentary

Drive, Chip and Putt recap: Bubba Watson fan Autumn Solesbee among winners

[ad_1] AUGUSTA, Ga. – Waiting for Autumn Solesbee under the iconic oak tree behind Augusta National’s clubhouse was Bubba Watson. As a former Masters champion, Watson has become a regular…

Read more

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *