|
PINEHURST, N. Mike Alstott Jersey .C. -- Pinehursts No. 2 course will be set up the same way for both U.S. Open and U.S. Womens Open this year. U.S. Golf Association Executive Director Mike Davis said Saturday that the par-70 course will play at about 7,500 yards for the mens and about 6,700 yards for the women. "On a given hole, if the men are hitting drivers, we want to see the women hit drivers," he said during the USGAs annual meeting. "If the men are hitting 6- to 8-irons for approach shots, thats what we want to see the women do." The USGA is roughly four months away from its first-of-its-kind doubleheader: The mens event is June 12-15 with the womens tournament the following week. "While we want to test the same things for both championships, there are differences in how men and women play the game," Davis said. Davis says the USGAs reason for going back-to-back was to bring more attention to the womens game. "This was never about trying to make it operationally easier or save money," Davis said. "This was all about comparing the worlds best men with the worlds best women." He says the women are playing the second week -- and not the first -- because of agronomics. "We had a much better chance of getting the golf course right for both championships" with the women playing second, he said. "It really gets down to the putting greens. The first week, if Mother Nature is co-operative, theyre going to be slightly firmer. ... Very firm greens to slightly -- underscore, slightly -- less firm greens that second week. And agronomically, it was much easier to do the second week than the first." The 107-year-old, Donald Ross-designed course underwent a $2.5 million renovation in 2010-11. The face-lift, led by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, was designed to restore some of its original elements in plenty of time for the two opens -- including removing all traces of rough. With so much foot traffic expected on the course during the doubleheader, divots are inevitable -- especially during the second week. But Davis says the Bermuda grass isnt as divot-prone as bent grass, and says they will be filled with sand. "I think our view is (divots are) just part of the game," he said. Davis says the USGA wants to blend the two opens together, in a way -- perhaps by having some womens players show up in the TV booth on the 18th green to break down the mens play. "While theyre clearly two different championships, were looking at it as one big event," Davis said. "This is really a chance, on the same golf course, to test the worlds best." Also, Thomas J. OToole Jr. was elected as USGAs 63rd president. The 56-year-old OToole, from St. Louis, will serve a one-year term. "It is an honour and a privilege to lead such a noble organization," OToole said. "I am excited and energized to continue my service to the association and keenly aware of the magnitude of the profound responsibilities that accompany this role." Michael Koenen Buccaneers Jersey . -- After enjoying the chance to watch Toronto beat Anaheim, the San Jose Sharks took advantage of a tired Maple Leafs team to move closer to the Ducks in the standings. Josh McCown Buccaneers Jersey . And the Ottawa Redblacks linebacker wanted to be sure his words delivered their full effect. "Its an insult," he said over the phone Wednesday after the CFL Players Association lifted its media ban, giving its members the ability to speak openly about stalling collective bargaining talks.NEW YORK -- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says its possible some part of the instant replay process will take place at league headquarters, not just on the field. The competition committee is expected to examine the issue this off-season. Goodell said at his annual pre-Super Bowl news conference Friday that one scenario is that officials at the game will still make the final decision, but that someone in New York will also weigh in to ensure the correct call is made. Michael Johnson Jersey. Goodell says that the "input could be helpful" to "make sure theyre seeing any angle." ' ' ' |
