U.S. Open: Why Matt Fitzpatrick is "a little bit disappointed" with tournament organisers
Former U.S. Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick disagrees that tournament organisers "lost the golf course" in 2018 at Shinnecock Hills.
Former U.S. Open champion Matthew Fitzpatrick says he's already "a little bit disappointed" with how much the greens are being watered.
The third men's major of the year returns to Shinnecock Hills in Southampton, New York, for the first time since Brooks Koepka triumphed in 2018.
That year, U.S. Open descended into controversy, with some accusing the United States Golf Association of "losing the course" amid farcical scenes that included Phil Mickelson hitting a moving ball.
Players left the course feeling as though it was nigh on impossible to control their ball as tee shots that were only marginally offline found knee-high rough and rock hard greens pushed the first round scoring average to more than six-over par.
Former U.S. Open champion Justin Rose left the course feeling "shell-shocked", adding: "I've never seen a golf course change that quickly".
But Fitzpatrick, the 2022 winner of the gold medal at Brookline, disagrees that the 2018 U.S. Open got out of control.
"There was a big meltdown here last time," Fitzpatrick told reporters. "[People were saying] 'They've lost the golf course', but I don't think they lost the golf course at all.
"It was difficult, but aside from 10 and 11, if you miss the greens in the right spots and do your homework, you have an opportunity to get up and down still.
"Today the greens are really soft, much softer than I thought. I know there was rain last night, I think, and it is humid, so there's probably a bit more moisture in the greens.
"If I compare it to 2018, I remember it was actually quite firm in the practice rounds, so it might not be the case this time.
"For me personally, I want it to get as dry and firm as possible, as US Opens do, and just see where that takes us."
The 11th hole has also been a big topic of discussion over the past two days.
It is the shortest hole on the course, measuring at just 157 yards but it is not necessarily the easiest.
The small, tilted green places huge emphasis on distance control.
Missing long and left is considered dead.
Fitzpatrick said that if the wind is pumping into and off the left he plans to chip a five-iron.
If there is no wind, he may use a wedge or a nine-iron.
"But I do believe, aside from maybe 10 and 11, if you miss the greens in the right spots and do your homework, that you have opportunities to get up-and-down still," Fitzpatrick added.
"I feel like that is a patience thing. That is a skill in course managing, in hitting good shots that are on the green in those tough times.
"I think that for me -- this golf course, I think when it is really tough like that, I enjoy that challenge because you have to do your homework, and you have to hit good shots, and that's what I think any good golf tournament should require."
Fitzpatrick is heading into the U.S. Open in red hot form.
Tournament | Position |
The American Express | T63 |
WM Phoenix Open | 9 |
AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am | T14 |
The Genesis Invitational | T24 |
Arnold Palmer Invitational pres. by Mastercard | T41 |
THE PLAYERS Championship | 2 |
Valspar Championship | 1 |
Masters Tournament | T18 |
RBC Heritage | 1 |
Zurich Classic of New Orleans | 1 |
Truist Championship | T52 |
PGA Championship | T14 |
the Memorial Tournament pres. by Workday | T36 |
RBC Canadian Open | 2 |
After being pipped to the Players Championship title by Cameron Young in March, Fitzpatrick rebounded a week later with victory at the Valspar Championship.
He took down world number one Scottie Scheffler in a sudden-death playoff at the RBC Heritage and also won the PGA Tour's lone team event alongside his younger brother Alex in Zurich.
Fitzpatrick enjoyed top 20 finishes in both the Masters and PGA Championship and was runner-up last week in Canada.
"My iron swing is very different to what it was in the past, and that's been the biggest change, I think, from this year compared to previous years," Fitzpatrick said.
"With that, that's obviously given me more opportunities, and I know when I putt well, I can putt well and I think take advantage of those opportunities. That's been the biggest thing.
"I think looking at the stats this season, it's a case of hitting the ball closer, and particularly the wins, just taking advantage of that, versus previous years where I've not necessarily had that and having to rely on the other aspects of my game."
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