DJ's Redemption at Oakmont
This column should be solely about Dustin Johnson's magical Sunday and the capture of his first major golf championship. It should illustrate DJ's ability to put a horrible three-putt a year ago at Chamber's Bay behind him in order to conquer the demons. It should marvel at that missile on the 72nd hole which was followed up by a majestic 6-iron to a few feet for birdie.
For those of you who were living under a rock, Johnson called over a rule's official on the 5th hole after his ball moved backwards. He told the official that he did not ground his putt and did not believe that he caused the ball to move. He was instructed by the official to play the ball as it lies.
On the 12th hole, Johnson was approached by Jeff Hall who is the head of the USGA's rule's committee and was told that the USGA had been reviewing tape and believe that Johnson "may" have caused the ball to move. Hall told Johnson that he and the USGA would discuss the matter after his round.
Ultimately, Johnson cruised to a 4-shot* victory which was later reduced to 3 after the USGA ultimately tagged Johnson with a one-stroke penalty. Needless to say, the outrage from golf fans and the world's best players was loudly voiced on social media.
The USGA, like too many sports organizations today, wreaks of hypocrisy. They proclaim themselves guardians of the game calling upon the players to conduct themselves with honor - while at the same time accusing Dustin Johnson and his playing partner, Lee Westwood, of lying. They talk about wanting to grow the game, while simultaneously eliminating a golf club that many amateur players have utilized to aid in their short game.
The time has come for the USGA to reevaluate their role in the game and what they stand for. For far too long, the organization has been led by ambitious elitists who put their own self-interests ahead of the greater good of the game. Their conviction to "the rules," no matter how ridiculous, frequently opposes common sense and the larger ideal of growing the game.
Regrettably, Dustin Johnson accepted the one-stroke penalty. Ultimately, it did not matter and I don't blame Dustin for wanting to put the entire thing behind him and go hoist the trophy. That doesn't mean that the USGA was correct or justified in their antics. This incident will leave a stain on this championship and hopefully it results in ideological changes at the USGA.
Despite the best efforts of the USGA, this championship should be remembered for Dustin Johnson and his resiliency to bounce back after last-year's new win at Chambers Bay. Johnson has been one of the steadiest players on the PGA Tour over the last decade and no longer has to carry the moniker of being one of the best players not to win a major. He is one of the most purely talented and athletic players in the game and this major win certainly won't be his last. He is now the No. 3 ranked player in the world as he heads to the last two majors of 2016 and the Olympics.
Smile DJ - you did it.
Instead....the USGA happened:
The USGA will review the video of No. 5 with Dustin Johnson immediately following his round. A determination will be made at that time.— USGA (@USGA) June 19, 2016
For those of you who were living under a rock, Johnson called over a rule's official on the 5th hole after his ball moved backwards. He told the official that he did not ground his putt and did not believe that he caused the ball to move. He was instructed by the official to play the ball as it lies.
On the 12th hole, Johnson was approached by Jeff Hall who is the head of the USGA's rule's committee and was told that the USGA had been reviewing tape and believe that Johnson "may" have caused the ball to move. Hall told Johnson that he and the USGA would discuss the matter after his round.
Ultimately, Johnson cruised to a 4-shot* victory which was later reduced to 3 after the USGA ultimately tagged Johnson with a one-stroke penalty. Needless to say, the outrage from golf fans and the world's best players was loudly voiced on social media.
Lemme get this straight.. DJ doesn't address it. It's ruled that he didn't cause it to move. Now you tell him he may have? Now? This a joke?— Jordan Spieth (@JordanSpieth) June 19, 2016
This is ridiculous... No penalty whatsoever for DJ. Let the guy play without this crap in his head. Amateur hour from @USGA— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) June 19, 2016
A few years ago, while contemplating a new television deal, it was reported that the USGA was frustrated that their national championship was not held in the same esteem as The Masters. The USGA believes that winning the US Open should be the crowning moment of any golfer's life. What happened on Sunday afternoon, to Dustin Johnson and the entire field, personifies why the Open is not held in the same regard as The Masters..@JordanSpieth @McIlroyRory w/ you boys! The fact that the @usga thinks that DJ caused the ball to move is completely ridiculous! Laughable!— Rickie Fowler (@RickieFowler) June 19, 2016
The USGA, like too many sports organizations today, wreaks of hypocrisy. They proclaim themselves guardians of the game calling upon the players to conduct themselves with honor - while at the same time accusing Dustin Johnson and his playing partner, Lee Westwood, of lying. They talk about wanting to grow the game, while simultaneously eliminating a golf club that many amateur players have utilized to aid in their short game.
The time has come for the USGA to reevaluate their role in the game and what they stand for. For far too long, the organization has been led by ambitious elitists who put their own self-interests ahead of the greater good of the game. Their conviction to "the rules," no matter how ridiculous, frequently opposes common sense and the larger ideal of growing the game.
Regrettably, Dustin Johnson accepted the one-stroke penalty. Ultimately, it did not matter and I don't blame Dustin for wanting to put the entire thing behind him and go hoist the trophy. That doesn't mean that the USGA was correct or justified in their antics. This incident will leave a stain on this championship and hopefully it results in ideological changes at the USGA.
Despite the best efforts of the USGA, this championship should be remembered for Dustin Johnson and his resiliency to bounce back after last-year's new win at Chambers Bay. Johnson has been one of the steadiest players on the PGA Tour over the last decade and no longer has to carry the moniker of being one of the best players not to win a major. He is one of the most purely talented and athletic players in the game and this major win certainly won't be his last. He is now the No. 3 ranked player in the world as he heads to the last two majors of 2016 and the Olympics.
Smile DJ - you did it.
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