– Only 13 players remained on the course, but the rain was getting heavier at Oakmont. The USGA held out as long as possible. The second round of the US Open had to be completed no matter what. It was a matter of half an hour, no more. But it was impossible. At 8:15 p.m., the referees sounded the suspension horn. The curtain of water was immense. A turn at the US Open. For almost an hour, a massive downpour fell. Like it only rains in the United States. Oakmont has changed. It will no longer be as firm or as fast. The rough will become even fiercer, true, but it will be easier to stay on the fairway and, above all, the greens will be more receptive, less fast. The scores should be better.
– Take cover, turn on the television, and place the largest bucket of popcorn you have at home on your knees. We have a Saturday of drums, bugles, and the Seventh Cavalry at Oakmont. We have a cracking US Open. Everything points to an epic ‘moving day’, especially with the rain. Lower rounds and stronger comebacks can be expected. No one should expect a birdie fest because this beast of Plum, Oakmont, Allegheny, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania will not allow it, but we can expect to have some players under par by the end of the third round this Saturday. Additionally, more rain is expected on Saturday. A high percentage of precipitation throughout the day and storms in the afternoon. Welcome to a new US Open.
– If it doesn’t rain, the winner of the US Open will finish over par. That was the prediction at the beginning of the week, and that was how it looked. Friday, which could not be completed due to the torrential rain, has left us with only three players under par. The leader is Sam Burns (-3), with a one-shot lead over J.J. Spaun (-2) and two over Viktor Hovland (-1). No one has been able to play both days under par, and only one gentleman, because he is a gentleman, has managed not to play over par on either Thursday or Friday. His name is Adam Scott (PAR). The Australian, in his 96th consecutive Major, has delivered two par cards. Ben Griffin (PAR), the man of the moment, is the other who is at par. The top 10 closes at +2 and the top 25 at +4. If it hasn’t been a bloodbath, it has come very close.
– We say this Saturday is a day of the Seventh Cavalry because great attacks are expected. It’s what is needed because the biggest names have left ground. Some from very far, perhaps too far, and others from more reasonable distances. The desperate assaults belong to Rory McIlroy (+6), Xander Schauffele (+6), and Jordan Spieth (+5). The almost desperate, but with a bit more margin, are Jon Rahm (+4), Scottie Scheffler (+4), Collin Morikawa (+4), and Tyrrell Hatton (+3). The one with the least ground to cover is Brooks Koepka (+2). No one doubts that some of them will get into the fight for Sunday. For that, however, the most benevolent calculation, given the rain, suggests they will have to reach par at least to have any chance. Obviously, some will find it easier than others.
– The second round will be completed this Saturday, and then the cut will be made. It will be at +7. Again, a good list of illustrious names will go home early: Aberg, Clark, Cantlay, Cameron Smith, Fleetwood, Dustin Johnson, Niemann, DeChambeau, Straka, Thomas, or Rose. Among all of them, undoubtedly, the most striking names are Bryson DeChambeau and Niemann. Oakmont forgives no one. The player who is best placed and has not been able to finish the second round is Thriston Lawrence (+1). He has been left on the 9th green with a par putt of less than a metre. By the way, the South African is the only player who has managed to reach -6, but from there, his partial has been +7. Brutal how Oakmont skins you as soon as you look the other way.
