USGA Says: What Have You Done for Me Lately?
Just for kicks, I thought I would list a few players who were shut out of the U.S. Open this year because they were not exempt and didn't make it through qualifying. Even though all of the "very top" golfers play in the Open every year, I tend to think this tournament is too exclusive and hands out about ten too few exemptions. It's also ironic that an "Open" is so exclusive. Thoughts?
Raphael Jacquelin - won earlier this year in Europe...currently 9th in the Order of Merit standings
Thomas Levet - often plays well in majors...lost playoff to Els at Open Championship in 2002
Paul McGinley - Ryder Cup stalwart year after year
Jean van de Velde - he needs no introduction
Matt Kuchar - former US Amateur Champ who has been playing very well lately
Heath Slocum - my second favorite player from Milton, FL...currently 35th on the money list
Bill Haas - former US Amateur runner-up...nice player
Bo Van Pelt - makes lots of money but can't find the winner's circle
Jesper Parkevik - former top 10 player in the world looking to regain form
Troy Matteson - five top 10s in 2006
Tom Lehman - Ryder Cup captain played in the final group of the US Open three years in a row
John Senden - winner on Tour in 2006...ranked 62 in the world
Jamie Lovemark - recently won the NCAA individual title...swept every college award
Jose Coceres - ranks 4th in scoring average and 80th in the world rankings...has two second place finishes already in 2007
Jason Gore - played in final group of 2005 US Open...fan favorite who has struggled lately
J.B. Holmes - winner as a rookie in 2006...one of the best young bombers on Tour
Corey Pavin - former US Open winner at Shinnecock
Tommy Armour III - all-around fun guy
Mark Calcavecchia - won already in 2007 and a dozen other times before that
Miguel Angel Jimenez - one of the best players from Europe in the past 20 years
posted by John Gorman at 5:00 PM
2 Comments:
I am really sad to see such great players not in the U.S. Open this year. I would like to see at least 10 more spots open up.
It's a lose/lose because it's such a unique tournament by virtue of the fact that if you have a 1.4 index or lower, you could conceivably play in it. I like the democratic philosophy, but it definitely weakens the field. It's too bad they can't just add 10 people to the field.
That said, of all the guys I listed, the only ones who would have a prayer of winning are Senden, Jimenez, Kuchar, and Coceras.
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