PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. -- Playing a U.S. Open course a day after the championship can be a humbling experience. That said, there are fewer places better to play than Pebble Beach if you happen to be hacking away.
Here are a few highlights and observations from a loop around Paradise:
- I thought I knew what firm and fast meant. Now I really do.
- In general, I don’t think people understand just how good these players are, especially with the short game. Graeme McDowell’s even-par winning score is remarkable.
- Made bogey on the second hole and still felt terrible for Dustin Johnson, who butchered the hole in front of the world just 24 hours earlier.
- There aren’t many spots in the world more beautiful than on the seventh tee.
- Speaking of No. 7, I hit my tee shot to 8 feet and three-putted.
- Didn’t make my first par until the 11th hole.
- Chipped in for bogey on the par-3 12th hole. Yes, chipped in for bogey.
- Stood on the 15th tee and said it was my least favorite hole on the course. Fifteen minutes later I chipped in for birdie from off the front of the green and declared it my new favorite hole.
- Blew it off the right bleachers on the 17th hole and completely chopped the 18th hole and made double bogey.
- Took tons of pictures and completely enjoyed the company of our caddies and my fellow scribes.
- The 2019 Open can’t get here soon enough.