Spieth survives but Chambers Bay takes no prisoners at U.S. Open

Jordan Spieth, the 21-year old reigning Masters Champion and now the holder of the 115th U.S. Open, is the sixth golfer in history to win these two championships in the same year, joining the elite group of Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Craig Wood. He will now set his sights on the British Open to be held at the oldest golf course in the world St. Andrews and the elusive Grand Slam of Golf.

Victory did not come easy for Spieth, starting the final round at 4-under par at one or the most controversial  U.S. Open sites on record. He opened the door for Dustin Johnson with a double-bogey of 17. Never the quitter, Spieth birdied 18 one group ahead of Johnson.

Paired with third round co-leader Jason Day, who fought vertigo to his knees on Friday and through the weekend, Johnson hit a trademark 300-plus yard drive on the par-5 18^th hole that had been a par 4 earlier in the week and added to the controversy. Johnson hit a five iron to within 12 feet behind the hole for a downhill eagle putt. Facing the chance to win his first major championship, Johnson hit his first putt past the cup by four feet, needing this putt to force a playoff the next day. His four footer coming back just missed on the left side.

“I’m still in shock,” Spieth said with the gleaming US Open trophy at his side. “I’ve never experienced a feeling like this. It was a very intense back nine.”

The drama on 18 at the end was one for the ages, and the three-putt finale was stunning for everyone.

“I’m still amazed that I won, let alone that we weren’t playing tomorrow,” Spieth said. “So for that turnaround right there, to watch that happen, I feel for Dustin, but I haven’t been able to put anything in perspective yet.”

The 115th U.S. Open will be remembered for many dramatic story lines, but the gut wrenching loss for the 31-year old Johnson will be the most lasting image. Chambers Bay outside of Seattle became his Chamber of Horrors.

After a six month leave from the PGA Tour to get his life back together, Johnson will now have to find a way to add another to his resume after more pain in the majors.  His list of tough moments includes leading the U.S. Open going into final round that concluded with an 82 meltdown, a missed opportunity with an ill-advised shot at the 2011 British Open and the crazy bunker penalty for grounding his club at the 2010 PGA Championship.

Some call it a choke, but no matter what, it is best to hear the emotions of the moment described by Johnson.

“Disappointed. I played really well. I didn’t make any putts today, I really didn’t”I had all the chances in the world. “I did everything that I could. I tried my damndest to get in the hole I just couldn’t do it.”

While Johnson received plenty of support and comfort from family on site including fiancé Paulina Gretzky, son Tatum and fans, it was Paulina’s father Wayne ‘The Great One’ Gretzky, he said, he would turn to for some perspective. The former-NHL great had plenty of experience of dealing with disappointment over a record-smashing career in ice hockey.

“I’ll see him in a few minutes as soon as I leave here,” said Johnson. “I’m sure we’ll talk about it. At the end of the day, golf is golf. I’ve got my family and that’s most important to me. “My trophy at the end of the day is holding up my little man. I couldn’t be more proud of myself and my family.  No matter what I’m going to keep my head high and I’m going to be happy.”

It appears Johnson’s perspective on life may be at an all-time high despite a career low point. Golf is pulling for you, Dustin.

Notable Quotes on Chambers Bay

Billy Horschel (+4, Tied for 25th)

“I think a lot of the players, and I’m one of them, have lost some respect for the USGA and this championship this year for the greens. And not only the greens. One of the biggest issues I have is for the fans … the viewing is awful … when you’re not able to get up close and watch championship-caliber players play a golf course, it’s disappointing.

It’s just a very disappointing week to be here”

Ian Poulter (+11, Tied for 54th)

“If this was a regular PGA tour event lots of players would have withdrawn and gone home on Wednesday, but players won’t do that for a major. They were simply the worst most disgraceful surface I have ever seen on any tour in all the years I have played.”

Henrik Stenson (+5, Tied for 27th)

“It’s borderline laughable at some of the greens and some of the pin positions, when we’re actually almost better off plugged in a bunker than being on the top of a ridge…And it’s pretty much like putting on broccoli.”

Rory McIlroy (E, Tied for 9th) – on hearing Stenson’s quote

“I don’t think they’re as green as broccoli, I think they’re more like cauliflower”

Sergio Garcia (+3, Tied for 18th)

“To me, it’s like playing the NBA Finals on a court that’s got holes and slopes and no backboard and things like that”

Louie Oosthazien (-4, Tied for 2nd), who would go on and tie a US Open record with a back-nine 29:

“There’s no grass on (the putting greens) so it’s just dead. There’s a few holes where it doesn’t look really, really good.’’

Jordan Spieth (-5, Winner), describing the 18^th hole during round two

“This is the dumbest hole I’ve ever played in my life”

Gary Player

For someone who has probably seen more golf courses than any other pro, the Hall of Famer has a very unique perspective. The man nicknamed the International Ambassador of Golf absolutely blasted the course and its designers:

“The worst golf course I might’ve ever seen in the 63 years as a professional golfer.”
“This has been the most unpleasant golf tournament I’ve seen in my life.”
“The man who designed this golf course had to have had one leg shorter than the other. It’s hard to   believe you see a man miss the green by one yard and the ball ends up 50 yards down in the rough.”
“There have never been so many people that missed the cut that are so happy to go home.”

On a final note for this historical championship: Tiger Woods missed cut score of 80-76 was the highest of his pro career.