Conference 7.286::golf

    Anyone see Lehman at the Memorial this past weekend?  This guy is on a
    mission since the Master's.  Forget the 66-1 odds at the Open.  If
    Lehman's healthy (he was sick this past weend and still won!) he will
    do well.
    
    Any predictions out there?
    

    
    
    It seems odd seeing Faldo as favourite given his poor form. Colin
    Montgomerie has a real passion to win a major, he certainly believes in
    himself and has good recent form.
    
    Norman has been the man so I go with him.

    Montgomerie will never win a Major he is a poor putter and not very
    popular on Tour (I will mention no names but this guy works on the
    tour he is a caddie)
    
    Norman will do well, watch for Faldo he plans his game around Majors and
    gets mentally right, i do feel the Open course is a bit tricked up so
    there is a lot of luck involved.
    
    Langer is my tip,
    
    But what do i know!!!!!

    Tricked-up how, Joe?  It's set up rather consistently from
    year-to-year, even though it's on different courses.  Basically, a
    course with narrow fairways, 4 inch rough, (a 'half-club' penalty -
    which I think means you're not supposed to hit the green if you're in
    the rough with your drive) and fast (11 or 12 on the Stimpmeter)
    greens.  I read where Oakmonts greens were so hilly that they could
    only find spots on two greens to measure with the Stimpmeter.
    
    Augusta challenges the player to gamble. The U.S. Open is more of a
    test of patience and endurance.  From everything I have read from
    several pros (Miller, Nicklaus, Palmer, Venturi, etc.) there is more
    pressure at the Open than at any other tournament, save the Cup.

    I should have added that the fairways are typically LONG and narrow. 
    Oakmont will be no exception.
    
    Personally, I'd rather play in a Masters than a U.S. Open.  Wide
    fairways, medium length holes, no rough, meticulous conditions.  The
    Open is much tougher, shot per shot.

        
    re. 3
    
    True Montgomerie isn't putting well at the moment but he certainly
    isn't a poor putter. Early in his career he was regarded as one of the
    best putters in the game. Montgomerie himself has stated recently that
    this is the worst spell of putting he has went through but you don't
    end up first on the European Order of Merit if your a poor putter.
    
    I agree that he might never win a major, not because he hasn't got the
    talent but because his temprement is suspect. He has to mellow slightly 
    and be less hard on himself. He puts himself under too much pressure.     
    
    I reckon it's between Langer & Olazabal. The German is my number 1
    pick but Olazabal's short game is so good right now, he could make it
    2 out of 2.    
    
    Del.
                                                              

    Del,  a poor putter yes i watched him throw the Belgian Open at FAldo
    and Heagmann , and i enjoyed it!!!!
    
    He was missing silly putts , poor putter poor temperment , believe me!!

    The U.S. Open (USGA) is taking the top 15 from the European Order of
    Merit, not the top 2.

    No they are not check your facts, that is why there was so much fuss
    over Seve he is 4th on the order of merit and they only take the top 2
    as its a weak tour i suppose, and the players are not very good they
    dont want to waste spots.
    

    Well, then Peter Dobermier (sp?), who identifies himself to Americans
    as "a foreigner from Yurup, specifically Yookay" is wrong.  I just read
    his article this past weekend.  He went on to say that even though the
    USGA does not recognize the Sony ranking most of that top 50 get
    exempts of invites anyway.
    

    Doberiener, yes he is wrong thas what Seve was moaning about the Top 
    2 after the PGA get in, others are exempt for various reasons.
    
    B Lane top 25 last yr
    and others are in some Tourney wins means you are in, but as you can go
    and qualify it is an Open i take back what i said.
    
    Its great event but the fairways are so narrow it seems to throw up
    funny winners, Andy North ,Lee Janzen (He has faded)
    
    It seems if you win that you win no other Major but you can win other
    Majors but not that.
    
    Scott Simpson
    P Stewart
    C Strange
    
    Has Floyd ever won it ?
    
    David Graham his only Major is it true Andy North has won no Tour event
    except the US Open.
    
    Whats Larry Mize up to i saw him in the Open at Sandwich he was real
    impressive i thought he was going to win the masters before the final
    rd this year.
    
    In the old days,
    
    Nickluas, Trevino, Player,Watson they seemed to win everything but
    certain golfers only seem to win the US Open these days i cant put my
    finger on what it is, they are good golfers it goes without saying
    really patient maybe any ideas ?
    
    Has anyone ever seen Hogan hit a ball ?

    Lee Janzen finished in the top 10 at the Kemper Open this past weekend. 
    It was his best finish, by far, since the Open.  He fell off badly
    after his win but, he is young, and has a lot of golf yet to play. 
    
    Phil Mickleson had a good tourney also, finishing about fourth. Not bad
    after breaking bones in both legs skiing this past Winter.  Two good
    young golfers - makes you sick that Mickleson hasn't even turned 24
    yet.
    
    I thought that Mize pulled off a win this year... Can't remember
    where...

    >Doberiener, yes he is wrong thas what Seve was moaning about the Top 
    >2 after the PGA get in, others are exempt for various reasons.
    
    I should have known that Yank bashing Brit didn't know what he was
    talking about.  ;^)  (Lots of smiley faces here...)
    

From: ecp@searanch.Eng.Sun.COM (Ed Pattermann - Sun Microsystems)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.golf
Subject: U.S. Open Qualifiers
Date: 9 Jun 1994 16:39:42 GMT
Organization: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
 
Who do you pick to win? Must be a straight driver and great putter ...
 
I pick Corey Pavin, with Mickelson, Lehman and Frost making it interesting.
 
-- Ed
 
---
 
OAKMONT, Pa. (AP) -- Alphabetical listing of the 159 players who have
qualified for the 94th U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club, from June 16 to 19
(a-denotes amateur): 
 
   John Adams, Carefree, Ariz.  
   Stewart Alexander, Gaineville, Fla.  
   Fulton Allem, McLean, Va.  
   Michael Allen, Mesa, Ariz.  
   Tommy Armour III, Irving Texas  
   Emlyn Aubrey, Princeton, La.  
   Peter Baker, Britain  
   Ian Baker-Finch, Orlando, Fla.  
   Steve Ballesteros, Spain  
   Craig Barlow, Las Vegas  
   Todd Barringer, Orlando, Fla.  
   Chip Beck, Highland Park, Ill.  
   David Berganio, Cleveland  
   Michael Bradley, Valrico, Fla.  
   Gordon Brand Jr., Britain  
   Jobe Brandt, Littleton, Colo.  
   Bill Britton, Haven Crest, N.J.  
   Mark Brooks, Fort Worth, Texas  
   Olin Browne, Jupiter, Fla.  
   Bart Bryant, Orlando, Fla.  
   Brad Bryant, Orlando, Fla.  
   Willy Burnitz, Montgomery, Texas  
   Mark Calcavecchia, North Palm Beach, Fla.  
   Mark Carnevale, Williamsburg, Va.  
   Darren Clarke, Britain  
   Lenny Clements, Poway, Calif.  
   John Cook, Washington, D.C.  
   Fred Couples, McLean, Va.  
   Ben Crenshaw, Austin, Texas  
   John Daly, Memphis, Tenn.  
   Glen Day, Little Rock, Ark.  
   a-Duke Delcher, Linwood, N.J.  
   Dennis Clark, Fort Worth, Texas  
   Packard DeWitt, Memphis, Tenn.  
   Trevor Dodds, Ballwin, Mo.  
   Doug DuChateau, Junction City, Ore.  
   Tim Dunleavy, Charleston, S.C.  
   David Edwards, Edmond, Okla.  
   Steve Elkington, Houston  
   Ernie Els, South Africa  
   Mike Emery, Canton, Ohio  
   Nick Faldo, Britain  
   Brad Faxon, Barrington, R.I.  
   Rick Fehr, Redmond, Wash.  
   Jacob Ferenz, Nowata, Okla.  
   a-Joey Ferreri, Lodi, Calif.  
   Stephen Flesch, Edgewood, Ky.  
   Bobby Friend, Pittsburgh  
   David Frost, Cleveland  
   Fred Funk, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.  
   Jim Furyk, Manheim, Pa.  
   Jim Gallagher Jr., Greenwood, Miss.  
   Robert Gamez, Las Vegas  
   Thomas Garner, Winter Park, Fla.  
   Paul Goydos, Long Beach, Calif.  
   Wayne Grady, Orlando, Fla.  
   Mike Grant, Flossmoor, Ill.  
   Jimmy Green, Daphne, Ala.  
   Ken Green, West Palm Beach, Fla.  
   Chris Haarlow, Greensboro, N.C.  
   Jay Haas, Greer, S.C.  
   Jokim Haeggman, Britain  
   Gary Hallberg, Castle Rock, Colo.  
   a-John Harris, Edina, Minn.  
   Nolan Henke, McLean, Va.  
   Scott Hoch, Orlando, Fla.  
   Patrick Horgan, Newport, R.I.  
   Bradley Hughes, Australia  
   Mike Hulbert, Orlando, Fla.  
   Ed Humenik, Hobo Sound, Fla.  
   John Huston, Tarpon Springs, Fla.  
   Hal Irwin, St. Louis  
   Lee Janzen, Kissimmee, Fla.  
   Eric Johnson, Eugene, Ore.  
   Brian Kamm, Tampa, Fla.  
   Tom Kite, Austin, Texas  
   Arden Knoll, Mesa, Ariz.  
   Masahiro Kuramoto, Japan  
   Barry Lane, Britain  
   Bernhard Langer, Germany  
   Tom Lehman, Scottsdale, Ariz.  
   Wayne Levy, New Hartford, N.Y.  
   Frank Lickliter, Springboro, Ohio  
   Davis Love III, Sea Island, Ga.  
   Steve Lowrey, Orlando, Fla.  
   David Lundstrom, Houston  
   Mark Lye, Fort Myers, Fla.  
   Baker Maddera, West Orange, N.J.  
   Jeff Maggert, Woodland, Texas  
   John Mahaffey, Woodland, Texas  
   Doug Martin, Edgewood, Ky.  
   Mark Mason, El Cajon, Calif.  
   Billy Mayfair, Phoenix  
   Jim McGovern, Oradell, N.J.  
   Rocco Mediate, Ponte Verda Beach, Fla.  
   Scott Medlin, Southern Pines, N.C.  
   Hajime Meshiai, Japan  
   Phil Mickelson, Scottsdale, Ariz.  
   Mark Mielke, Lawrence, N.Y.  
   Johnny Miller, Napa, Calif.  
   Larry Mize, Columbus, Ga.  
   Colin Montgomerie, Britain  
   a-Gil Morgan, Edmond, Okla.  
   John Morse, Casselberry, Fla.  
   Larry Nelson, Marietta, Ga.  
   Jack Nicklaus, North Palm Beach, Fla.  
   Frank Nobilo, Britain  
   Greg Norman, Hobe Sound, Fla.  
   Andy North, Madison, Wis.  
   Mark O'Meara, Cleveland  
   David Ogrin, Garden Ridge, Texas  
   Jose Maria Olazabal, Spain  
   Masashi Ozaki, Japan  
   Arnold Palmer, Youngstown, Pa.  
   Craig Parry, Windermer, Fla.  
   Steve Pate, Agoura, Calif.  
   Corey Pavin, Orlando, Fla.  
   Chris Perry, Westerville, Ohio  
   Nick Price, Orlando, Fla.  
   Brian Quinn, Sutton, Mass.  
   Francis Quinn Jr., Sutton, Mass.  
   Sam Randolph, Fort Worth, Texas  
   Steven Richardson, Britain  
   Loren Roberts, Germantown, Tenn.  
   Costantino Rocca, Italy  
   Hugh Royer III, Aiken, S.C.  
   Dave Rummells, Orlando, Fla.  
   Javier Sanchez, Fayetteville, Ga.  
   Marty Shiene, Lemont, Ill.  
   Scott Simpson, Kailua, Hawaii  
   Tim Simpson, Cumming, Ga.  
   Vijay Singh, Cleveland  
   Jeff Sluman, Hinsdale, Ill.  
   Mike Small, Danville, Ill.  
   Michael Smith, Titusville, Fla.  
   Mike Soli, San Francisco  
   a-Randy Sonnier, Kingwood, Texas  
   Mike Springer, Fresno, Calif.  
   John Stacey, Potomac, Md.  
   Craig Stadler, Ranch Santa Fe, Calif.  
   Paul Stankowski, El Paso, Texas  
   Payne Stewart, Orlando, Fla.  
   Curtis Strange, Williamsburg, Pa.  
   Brent Studer, Brielle, N.J.  
   Mike Sullivan, Ocala, Fla.  
   Harry Taylor, Old Hickory, Tenn.  
   Jim Thorpe, Buffalo, N.Y.  
   Sam Torrance, Britain  
   Kirk Triplett, Nashville, Tenn.  
   Bob Tway, Edmond, Okla.  
    Howard Twitty, Scottsdale, Ariz.  
   Scott Verplank, Edmond, Okla.  
   Duffy Waldorf, Valencia, Calif.  
   Don Walsworth, Olathe, Kan.  
   Tom Watson, Westwood, Kan.  
   Michael Weeks, West Palm Beach, Fla.  
   Ian Woosnam, Britain  
   Mark Wurtz, Port Ludlow, Wash.  
   Fuzzy Zoeller, Akron, Ohio  
 

    
    I think this is Jeff Maggert's U.S. Open, he sure has all the right
    tools. I also like Hale Irwin as a side bet. He is playing very well
    this year (I guess he needed the Cobra Iron Spark!). Some other great
    contenders will/Should be are:
    		
                	- Ben Crenshaw
    			- Tom Lehman
    			- The "Shark" of course!
                        - Faldo
    			- Brad Faxon
        		- Nolan Henke
    			- Vijay Singh
    
      -	Just my Picks
    
    			ED
    
    	
    			
    
    	
    

    I agree  Vijay SIngh he is a superb golfer, i watched some US golf
    last nite Crenshaw looks 1 million yrs old he has aged a lot since last
    year.
    
    Mickelson is my tip , boy can he putt.
    
    Faldo is worth a bet believe me get you wedge out!!!
    Put a lady on him he is a good bet

Newsgroups: rec.sport.golf
From: vincent@lagrange.math.colostate.edu (Mark Vincent)
Subject: U.S. Open Trivia Quiz--Oakmont Edition
Date: Tue, 14 Jun 1994 21:20:56 GMT
Organization: Colorado State University, Fort Collins
 
It's June, and that means one thing in golf--the U.S. Open!  And the U.S.
Open means the annual U.S. Open trivia quiz, of course.
 
The 94th U.S. Open begins Thursday from the historic Oakmont Country Club,
outside of Pittsburgh.  Here are some questions about Oakmont and the Open.
Feel free to e-mail responses and comments to:
 
     vincent@lagrange.math.colostate.edu
 
Enjoy!
 
 
1.  In the Masters quiz in April, we found that there have been three double-
    eagles in Masters tournament history (including Jeff Maggert's on the 13th
    in this year's final round).  How many double-eagles have there been in 
    U.S. Open history?  Who was(were) the player(s), and where did it (they)
    take place?  (There has been at least ONE double eagle in U.S. Open
    history--this isn't a trick question.)
 
 
2.  Name any of the three golfers to have completed 72 holes in 22 consecutive
    U.S. Opens.  (Hint:  none of them is Jack Nicklaus, which is rather
    surprising.)
 
 
3.  Thanks to a special exemption from the USGA, Arnold Palmer (who was second
    in the 1962 Open and tied for fourth in the 1973 Open at Oakmont) will play
    what may be his last U.S. Open this week at Oakmont, the same course where
    he made his U.S. Open debut as an amateur in 1953.  What unusual U.S. Open
    record will Palmer set as a result?
 
 
4.  The 1910 U.S. Amateur championship was held at the Country Club, Brookline,
    Mass.  The winner was this man, the son of the Pittsburgh steel magnate
    who built the course at Oakmont.  Name him.
 
 
5.  Oakmont's first major championship was the 1919 U.S. Amateur, won by 
    Oakmont member S. Davy Herron.  This man, the runner-up in 1919, later
    won the 1925 Amateur at Oakmont, his second of five U.S. Amateur titles.
    Who was he?
 
 
6.  He was the professional at the nearby Highland Country Club when he won  
    the 1922 PGA championship at Oakmont, his first of two consecutive PGA
    titles.  He had also won the U.S. Open title earlier that year.  Name him.
 
 
7.  Oakmont's first U.S. Open was in 1927, when Tommy Armour won in a playoff
    with this man, whose chance to win the Open outright vanished when he
    putted off the 17th green in the final round!  (His chances diminished
    further when Armour birdied the 72nd hole to tie him.)  Name this great
    golfer, who somehow never won a major championship.
 
 
8.  In last year's U.S. Open quiz, we found that Oakmont and Baltusrol have
    hosted 7 U.S. Opens.  What club is next, having held 5 U.S. Opens?
 
 
9.  Oakmont features hundreds of bunkers, more than most courses.  The bunkers
    used to be furrowed with special sabre-toothed rakes.  Answer either of the
    following questions:
    a) Why were the bunkers furrowed?
    b) Why aren't the bunkers furrowed any more?
 
 
10. This man won the 1951 PGA at Oakmont, and finished second to Hogan (by six
    strokes!) in the 1953 U.S. Open.  If you can't think of him immediately,
    consider the answer to question #7. . . .
 
 
11. This rookie finished third (behind Nicklaus and Palmer) in the 1962 U.S.
    Open at Oakmont.  (He also finished second behind Nicklaus in Rookie of
    the Year voting.)  While his career was not as successful as Jack's, he
    gained some publicity years later for helping Nicklaus with his short game.
    Who is he?
 
 
12. What ABC golf commentator won the 1969 U.S. Amateur at Oakmont?
 
 
13. In the middle of a streak which would see him win the Canadian and British
    Opens, this man was the favorite going into the 1973 Open at Oakmont.  He
    shot 281, finishing third.  Who was he?
 
 
14. One of the golfers who beat the answer to the previous question in 1973
    was this amateur astrologer, who explained his unexpected success by
    saying, "My horoscope is just outstanding--Mars is in conjunction with
    my natal moon."  Name him.
 
 
15. Of course, we know who won the 1973 Open--Johnny Miller and his amazing
    last round of 63.  Two other golfers have shot 63 in a U.S. Open, both
    in the first round in 1980 at Baltusrol.  Name them.  (Hint:  both are
    familiar names in this quiz.)
 
 
16. After two heart-breaking losses in consecutive U.S. Opens (in 1975 and
    1976), this former U. of Houston golfer finally won a major championship
    in the 1978 PGA at Oakmont.  Name this man, who won in a three-way sudden
    death playoff.
 
 
17. What former U.S. Open champion was the big loser in the 1978 PGA, missing
    a three-foot par putt on the 72nd hole to blow his chance to win the
    tournament outright?
 
 
18. Larry Nelson won the 1983 U.S. Open at Oakmont, defeating defending champ
    Tom Watson (the other victim in the 1978 PGA playoff).  Nelson's score
    for the last two rounds set a U.S. Open record for the last 36 holes.
    What was this record score?
 
 
Well, that's a lot of questions, but Oakmont, in Dan Jenkins's words,
_practically invented golf history in this country._  And we're leaving out
Sam Parks Jr. (1935 U.S. Open champion), Willie Turnesa (1938 U.S. Amateur
champion), Patty Sheehan (1992 U.S. Women's Open champion), etc.
 
Next month:  the (British) Open.  Is it at Turnberry this year?
And where will the PGA be held this year?
 
-- 
 
 "Not that there's anything wrong with that!"
    --Jerry Seinfeld and George Costanza

    
    
      Who are the form players in the States at the moment? None of the
    "established big names" are getting much press over here in th UK.
     I know Couples and Azinger are injured/ill, what about Stewart, Floyd,
     Daly etc?
    
      The US Open has never been a particularly happy events for the Euro
     tour players so in that respect its hard to pick a winner from Europe.
     However, I'll have a couple of quid each way on Olazabal - he's having
     a good season, Langer - getting back to his best form recently and
     Ernie Els - a good season and a good price at 20/1.
    
      Is Janzen worth a bet, what about Mark Brookes as an outsider - he
     seems to be pretty steady over recent events.
    
     Danny.

 
    "Who are the form players in the States at the moment? None of the
    "established big names" are getting much press over here in th UK.
     I know Couples and Azinger are injured/ill, what about Stewart, Floyd,
     Daly etc?"
   
    That's because no one is playing particularly hot from week to week. 
    Seems like each week the leader board is filled with different names.
    I guess you would have to consider Stewart, Kite, and Lehman.  Frankly,
    I think this is the year an American will not win.
    
     "The US Open has never been a particularly happy events for the Euro
     tour players so in that respect its hard to pick a winner from Europe.
     However, I'll have a couple of quid each way on Olazabal - he's having
     a good season, Langer - getting back to his best form recently and
     Ernie Els - a good season and a good price at 20/1."
    
    Be kind to the U.S. Open, it's the only Major an American can win
    lately, and things aren't looking too good this year for even that.
    
    I don't know if this course plays well for Olazabal's strengths.  Ernie
    Els played exceptionally well (came in second) at Westchester which is
    VERY MUCH a U.S. Open type course.  He has the skills but don't know if
    he is ready to handle the pressure.  We shall see.
    
     "Is Janzen worth a bet, what about Mark Brookes as an outsider - he
     seems to be pretty steady over recent events."
    
    Janzen is HOT right now.  A fourth at the Memorial and then a win at
    the Buick at Westchester.  He loves the U.S. Open type courses, BUT,
    putting has hurt him in the past and Oakmont is going to be a bear to
    putt.
    
    Mark Brooks is kind of a 'steady Eddy' guy.  Could be the type of
    mentality to win a U.S. Open.  Nothing flashy, just blue collar type
    golf.
    

	I think that both Fred Couples and Phil Mickleson coming off
	injuries are ready to challenge.  Phil definitely has a putting
	stroke which can hold up at Oakmont.  But my pick to win is Greg
	Norman with Phil and Freddie close behind.

	Watching Janzen putt at the Buick last week he's got me convinced that 
	if anyone can put well at Oakmont it will be him.  I don't remember
	seeing Lee miss a 'makeable' putt on Sunday and I saw Arnie on CNN
	last night say that Lee was putting fantastic and if he had kept 
	score would probably have scored a 64 or 65 (they played a practice
	round together yesterday).

	So if Janzen's putter stays hot he should do well. 

    
     
        How about some updates from the noters in the States?!?
    
        I placed some money on Langer 14/1, Els 16/1, each way bet on 
        Hale Irwin 28/1 and ew on Mark Brooks 40/1. Lets hope one of them
        gives me a run for my money.
    
         Danny.

.....early results as of 12:30 pm est, all these players were still on
the course !!!!

c. montgomery  -3
c. strange     -3
b. langer      -2
j. nicklaus    -2
s. verplank    -1
..other players
t. kite         E
n. price       +3
n. faldo       +2
c. pavin       +5
jumbo ozaki     E

    
    
    Day one shows Tom Watson (-3) over Nicholas (-2) and a couple others
    at -2.  Par would have been a blessing it looks like.  Many big names
    in the +6 to +10 range.

    
    SHREWSBURY- Peter M Schuh was a young man whose enthusiasm and
    principles earned him the respect of his peers and teachers. 
    Schuh,20,the son of Barbara and David Schuh of 16 Ridge Road, was
    killed Tuesday night in an accident at the Oakmont Country Club, in
    suburban Pittsburgh.  Lifelong residents of Shrewsbury, Schuh and hi
    older brother, Steven, were working for the Philadelphia based Nilon
    Amusement Services, a concessionaire employed by the USGA for the US
    Open.  According to an AP report, Peter was killed when his truck
    pinned him against a large refrigeration truck from which he was
    unloading ice cream.  He was take to nearby Citizens General Hospital
    in New Kensington, PA, where efforts to revive him wer unsuccessful.
    
    Edited w/o permission from the Worcester Telegraph & Gazette.

    
    	As of now, Irwin's leading at -4, Watson's on the 15th at -2,
    	Cook and Frank Nubilo(sp) are -3.  Nicklaus hasn't teed off yet.
    

    Win another one JACK!
    

    Anybody have an update of whats happening in the Us open.
    Who's leading ??
    Scores ??
    Who missed the cut.
    
    
    
    
    Dav
    
    
    
    
    

    While channel surfing, I saw a 3 way tie at -5, 18 hole playoff for
    Monday.  I think Colin Montgomerie, Ernie Els and Loren Roberts are the
    3 playing for the title.  It's tough when the World Cup is being
    televised at the same time ;-).
    
    Mike

    
    
     Yep, Els, Roberts and Monty all tied at -5. I was a bit p'd off at
    Els as I had money on him to win, 3 putting 16 and making a total
    balls-up of 18 cost him the title. Roberts must be pretty down after
    missing from 4 or 5 feet at the last which would have won him the
    title.
    
     I reckon big Monty will be slight favourite going into the play-off
    as both Els and Roberts missed good chances to win the title whereas
    Monty was already in the club-house at -5, hoping that the others
    would drop shots. Phsycologically (sp), he should feel a lot better
    standing on the first tee this morning.
    
     Danny. 

    Play-off update please.
    
    Antony

    Montgomerie sure doesn't sound like a Scot...
    
    I like Els' chances in the playoffs.
    

    Latest from skytext...
    
    Els +3
    Roberts +1
    Monty +4
    
    Bill

    
    Bill,
    
    keep these updates coming if you can.
    
    I'm here all night. Thanks
    
    Del.

    Not sure if this is through the 7th or they are on the 7th...
    
    Roberts +2
    Els     +3
    Monty   +5
    

    Roberts +2
    Els +2
    Monty +5
    
    This after 7 holes
    
    Sorry but I'm off home now
    
    Bill

    Thanks for the update.  My girlfriend is home from work today but
    asking her to check the score is the about the same as asking her to
    put her finger into an electric socket.
    
    At least I got her to tape this on her VCR for me.  Watch, I'll get the
    'Best of Oprah' (talk about an oxymoron) instead, just for spite.
    

    
    
    hi ,
    
    	Anyone know if they'll have a taped replay tonight?
    
    	thanks  Walta

    Wow, what a match.  Any other details to offer aside from the score? 
    Who's looking strong?  Is Monty fading?
    
    Thought I heard Brent Mushmouth mention that ABC would start their
    telecast at 3:30 today.  If so, that is certainly tape delayed.  ESPN
    is broadcasting now so tonight would be out.

  
    latest...
    
    Roberts +3
    Els +4
    Monty +7
    
    Del.

    
    
    I last heard that through 11 holes
    
    Els and Roberts were knotted @ +3 w/ Monty floundereing w/ 3
    double-bogies at +8.
    
    ML

    Got this from my girlfriend, so can't confirm how accurate it is...
    
    Through 16:
    
    Roberts +3
    Els     +4
    Monty   +7
    

    
    re: Brent Mushroomburger
    
     Reminds me of the classic out of his mouth during yesterday's round.
     He referred to Loren Roberts as "Lorne Greene".  Nobody called him
     on it either.  Now if McCord was in the booth....
    
    -rick

    	They're certainly not burning up the course, are they? +3, +3, +7!

    I gotta think that the greens are like linoleum.  Why else would their
    scores be up there?
    

    They Have to be getting tired.  AND THE HEAT!!!  Perhaps that is why
    the scores are so high.
    
    rww

  
    Sudden death...there going down the 10th
      
    Els +3
    Roberts +3
    Monty +7
    
    Del.

    re: .47
    
    match play...
    
    even though it's medal the tension nerves etc are just like match play
    in a playoff...

    Just a quick question.  Does this mean the first three positions are
    taken, i.e. the rest of the field starts at fourth place?  Or is the
    play off for only first place with placement dependant on your final
    relative score to par?  With these + scores that would be interesting.
    
    rww

    
    24 year old Ernie Els is the new U.S Open Champion.
    
    He won at the 2nd extra hole (11th) of a sudden death playoff making
    a 4 to Loren Roberts 5. Roberts missed a six foot birdie putt at the
    first extra hole to win.
    
    18 hole scores :
    
    Els         74
    Roberts     74
    Montgomerie 78  
    
    Del.
        

    Wow, this was a match for the record books.  3-way tie after
    regulation, 18-hole playoff round, then a sudden-death.  Unreal.
    
    Ah, to be 24 and have just won the U.S. Open.  Wonder if he's off to
    Disney World now?

    > <<< Note 1896.3 by PEKING::ANTELLJ >>>
    > -< Monty will never win a Major >-

    > Montgomerie will never win a Major he is a poor putter and not very
    > popular on Tour.
    
    
    I think you'll find that he was one of the best putters in the
    competition.  He will win a major, and probably soon.  He'll have
    gained a lot of experience from this.
    
    Seve justified his place, with some great golf.  
    
    
    Does anybody have the final scores?
    
    
    
    Russell

    No question that Montgomerie has a lot of talent and will certainly be
    a force on the tour(s) for some time to come.
    
    His short game, especially putting, during the play-off round was not
    very good at all.  In that respect, Joe's assessment was quite
    accurate.
    
    He still doesn't sound like a Scot either...

    
    
    re He still doesn't sound like a Scot either...
    
     He was born in Glasgow but spent most of his early years in England
    where he attended a private school. After college in the States he
    returned to Troon where his father was secretary at Royal Troon Golf
    Club. He is now based at Sunningdale in England, very exclusive area
    and popular area for golfers, pop stars and TV stars.
    
     Danny.

    Russell re.54
    
    I quoted Monty as a poor putter before the competition as you would
    have seen in the play off, on about hole 12 a par 3 they all knocked it
    to about 8ft monty was closest the other guys got pars Monty knocked it
    12 foot past, now if you consider that good putting i am suprised his
    chipping was not much better either.
    
    He is a better talker than player but a lot of people are like that, 
    Monty choked in the play off sad but true it has happened and it will
    again.
    
    As Peter Alliss said to Monty 'Your no greyhound' to which Monty
    replied 'Nor are you' maybe the heat got to him he is a big lad perhaps
    he overheated.
    
    A Major is a hard thing to win some people have not got what it takes
    and others learn and win eventually (Tom Kite)
    
    Joe

I just looked at Monty's putting average for the four rounds of the U.S Open and
it is 26.5. Not bad for a bad putter.

    Putting averages are very funny statistics, if you miss a lot of greens
    you will single putt more as you are chipping rather than hitting long
    irons.
    
    You have to look at all statistics if he hits every green he is 8 under
    each round 32 for the tourny.
    
    
    
    Joe

re:  .59

>    Putting averages are very funny statistics, if you miss a lot of greens
>    you will single putt more as you are chipping rather than hitting long
>    irons.

Putts counted towards any official published statistic are only those from holes reached 
in regulation.

Peter.
    

    
    	I believe the stroke average per hole is only calculated. Using the
    greens hit in regulation. Example someone could have a 1.635 putts per
    hole average.
    	Average putts for 18 holes is calculated using all 18 holes. So
    this stat is deceptive. Since chipping in off the green or holeing a
    sand shot. Will give you zero putts for that hole. This is how Monty
    got 26.5 average in putting.
    	So we have two seperate putting statistics.
    
    Ron