The 2009 U.S. Open Glover Wins at Bethpage

The 2009 U.S. Open started with numerous compelling storylines that captured the attention of fans and media alike. However, those storylines were all but washed away by the pouring rain that deluged Long Island, NY. Mother nature reared her ugly head and caused the USGA to scramble, postpone and reshuffle tee times so that the 109th U.S. Open Championship could take place.

Despite the challenges presented by the weather, a champion was eventually crowned at the 2009 U.S. Open. Lucas Glover walked away as a major championship winner and earning his second win on the PGA Tour. Glover outlasted playing partner and former U.S. Amateur Champion Ricky Barnes to prevail at Bethpage Black.

But I have to ask this question, how many people really believe the Lucas Glover will become a player to be reckoned with on the PGA Tour? Glover left Bethpage as a U.S. Open Champion who only has one other PGA Tour win on his resume at the 2005 Funai Classic. Will he be the next Steve Jones or the next Retief Goosen? I guess only time will tell.

I think the real story at the 2009 U.S. Open was the re emergence of David Duval. Up until the 2009 U.S. open Duval’s best finish was a tie for 55th at the AT&T National Pro-AM. So to seeing Duval at the top over the leaderboard was a strange sight to behold. It appeared for a moment that the number 882 ranked player in the world was going to become the 2009 U.S. Open after making a back nine run on Monday. Despite the fact that he fell short at the end, Duval scored the biggest win of the week in my opinion.

With his 2nd place finish, David Duval vaulted an amazing 740 spots to become the 142 ranked player in the world. But more importantly he showed signs that his life on the golf course as well as his life off the course are in tune with each other. It’s great to see David playing well again.

Phil Mickelson entered the 2009 U.S. Open with a lot on his heart and mind. Earlier this year Mickelson announced that his wife Amy had been diagnosed with breast cancer and after a brief leave of absence Mickelson returned to the PGA Tour with the hope of winning his 4th major championship at the 2009 U.S. Open. Phil Mickelson is always the undeniable crowd favorite at Bethpage Black and this year was no different. Loud cheers followed Mickelson around the golf course and as the beer flowed the crowds grew louder and louder.

Coming down the stretch Mickelson made a move and after an eagle on the 13th hole, he found himself tied for the lead. But Mickelson’s poor putting over his final three holes lead to a disappointing 2nd place finish and marked his 5th runner finish in the U.S. Open.

Tiger Woods was visibly disappointed at his performance in the U.S. Open. He never really got anything started in the entire championship. Tiger’s inconsistent putter proved to be his downfall and if Woods could have managed to sink a few more putts, he might have been raising his 15th Major championship trophy. In spite of Tiger not closing the deal at Bethpage, there is now doubt he will be the favorite in this seasons remaining Major Championships.

In my opinion the 2009 U.S. Open will be remembered for the rain, the interruptions, the starting and stopping and the unlikely winner. The 2009 U.S. Open never really felt like a major championship until the last nine holes on Monday. The New York fans lived up to their usual boisterous reputations and the beer flowed like the rain on the greens at Bethpage. All in all the 2009 U.S. Open provided some very championship that crowned a worthy and deserving Champion.


"keep it in the short grass"
Edward S. Wanambwa
www.thegolfwriter.com