Moving Day at the 2020 US Open

Posted on September 20, 2020 alt_text

Moving Day could not have been more explosive and unpredictable. The weather also started with gusting winds but actually died down. Noren posted a 67 early which looked herculean, but as the wind died so the scores improved. The lack of wind never removed the intensity though. From the first hole, when Incredible Bulk lambasted a drive only to 3 putt for bogey and similarly Wolfie landed his first birdie of the day - it was action all day. The overnight leader, Fatty Feed was sitting pretty when he made an unlikely birdie on 2 and took a 3 shot lead. That would not last long, as Wolfie had reeled him in by the 7th when he nailed his 4th birdie of the front 9 and eventually posted a 30 for the front 9 and ultimately a round-of-the-day 65 despite only hitting 2 fairways, including a birdie on the notorious 18th. Wolfe eyes another birdie Going into Final Day Sunday, Wolfie has a decent 2 shot lead over the Incredible Bulk and there is a strong grouping of seasoned pro’s, a few further back, looking to gun him down. Rory got into the mix with a 68 and King Louis matched that score to post -1 for the week. King Louis will fancy his chances tomorrow of posting another score in the 60s. This is despite KL having never won the in US, but has posted multiple top 5 finishes including runner ups in every Major. He is ready to win. As expected, Xander is in it again. The guy just keeps going. Despite a slow start, he made a superb eagle on 9, followed by bogeys that should have hurt him, but he came back again on 18 with a birdie. The guy is ice cool and surely another Sunday charge awaits. He finished 5 shots back and tied Harries and Hideki. The man seeking a first major win for Japan, was -2 playing 17 when the shanks got him and he had to settle for an Even par finish. It was a day to forget for Fatty Feed. The final pairing were on the clock throughout the day and really struggled on the back 9. Feed had made a nice 4 on 9 before the troubles began - from the tee, from his irons and finally his chipping game. He eventually posted a 77 and tied with Noren at +3. The course was playing tough but there were birdies available, as was shown by Paul Casey who was 5 over through 7 holes, but managed to post a 69. How’s this back 9? Anyone will be hoping to post that on Sunday! Casey back 9 The players delivered a few more scores in the 60s and a worst of the day was only a 79, but still the average was in the mid 73s. The USGA will be left with an interesting challenge - only 1 player has made a “mockery” of Winged Foot so lets see if they react to Wolfie or much it a little softer. Weather is expected to be similar to Moving Day, with winds of 13mph at its peak, so this won’t help the players. The final pairing is filled with a lack of experience for the big moment. Leading the pack, Wolfie does have 1 win to his name, but as a 21 year old, does he really understand pressure? However, with the course so eerily quiet, it will be a normal Sunday stroll with a mate basically? The kid is super long (the bombers will be dueling each other), despite his awkward swing and has putted like a veteran. The performance is a nice follow on from his 4th at the PGA and only time will tell whether he will be able to last on Final Day Sunday. For a full view of the scores head to the US Open Leaderboard.