Jamie Kennedy@jamierkennedy
Observations from Wednesday at Shinnecock…
1. Buckle in for tomorrow. The wind is going to be STRONG. Favour early starters, there will be some ejections late in the day.
2. Followed Preston Stout on the back nine. No. 2 amateur in the world. Stacked build, crushes the ball, effortless speed. A perfect example of elite amateurs these days.
3. Two best viewing spots on the course are the grandstands on 12 tee and behind 5 green. Trust me.
4. Spin control is so important and amazing to watch. On chips and especially on wedge approach shots. The pitched greens just reject anything not hit precisely. Can’t wait to see the short game displays this week.
5. Lots of talk about Sam Burns’ chances. Does seem like a good course fit but I quite like Gotterup’s chances.
6. Was excited to see the 11th hole. Mad that the first shot I witnessed was Chris Kirk one-hopping an ace. Didn’t even celebrate or get the ball out the hole. Said it was his 10th.
7. Love the course but the 9th hole should be the 18th, I’m sorry. I know it was originally, but it should be again. What a setting that would be, submitting that hill to finish in front of the clubhouse.
8. One other course thought… there’s no drivable par four? Seems odds for a creative, tricky-greens, links-style place like this. Sure, someone may get close at 13 but it’s not really “drivable” at 375.
9. Is Shinnecock the most underrated logo in golf? Spoke to a player who agreed and snagged a range bag to use as a valuable pouch in his golf bag.