As you all know I was stoked to report yesterday that Aaron will be making his way to Pebble Beach for the U.S. Open Championship.
The beauty sprawling Carmel Bay is (I believe) unmatched at any course anywhere in the United States. Pebble Beach was designed by Jack Neville and Douglas Grant and I think their creativity and exceptional vision teamed up with what can only be described as a gift from nature has made for one of the most famous courses’ in golf’s history. Pebble Beach Golf Links has been capturing hearts since 1919.
I’ll give you a few good reasons why it is so great that Aaron qualified and is making his way to California for this event. As well as the prestige of winning a major, first place also has the following perks...
1) A U.S. Open exemption for the next 10 years
2) Invitation to play the next 5 Masters and British Opens
3) Invitations to play the next 5 years PGA Championships and Players Championship
4) Maybe most importantly – exempt status on the PGA Tour for the next 5 years
I think it is pretty safe to say that those exemptions far outweigh the pay check (cheque for the Aussies). A win at Pebble Beach I also think, would have to boost the confidence levels a little. This course can even make our best and most confident players nervous.
This will be the 5th time Pebble Beach has hosted the United States Open Championship in its 110 year history. It offers the chance for any professional or amateur golfer with a USGA handicap index not exceeding 1.4 to be a part of the field.
The last time the Open was held at Pebble Beach in 2000, Tiger Wood’s set an almost unbelievable record of winning the event by 15 strokes. The largest margin win in major history. He since went on to win it 2 more times and is back in the field this week, hungry for his 4th.
However, the defending champion next week will be Lucas Glover. Glover had a 2-stroke victory over Phil Mickelson, Ricky Barnes and David Duval in 2009. The tournament, hosted by Bethpage State Park’s Black Course in Farmingdale, N.Y was drenched with rain all week. Glover’s 276 total was an awesome effort and I am sure he can’t wait to get out to Pebble Beach for what will be an eventful week.
I caught up with our Badds yesterday after he finished too hear some of his thoughts.
Hi Aaron, Congratulations on making it into the U.S. Open! What makes Pebble Beach such a special course? And why is it so hard?
Thanks Shelley, I can’t wait! The course has just has the most amazing views. The holes running along the cliff line, over-looking the beach are spectacular. The course has small greens and for the U.S. Open, tight fairways. It is so hard managing the ball around the course but it is the type of course that the more you play it, the better it gets!
How do you prepare for this course? What type of shot do you need to make sure you have got right?
You have to drive the ball well. All the time! It’s not overly long, but the rough will be up for the tournament. Another good shot to have is one that holds the wind cause being a coastal course it is probably going to blow!
Your game is really going well the past month, it has been exciting. If you didn't have the double bogeys in there, your scores would be so low. Do you feel like you are really getting to where you want to be?
Yeah, I feel my game is good. It is just a little here and a little there at the moment. I'm pleased with my game and progress even though the scores aren't quite showing it. That's why San Antonio was nice because the scoreboard indicated how close my game is!
Thanks Badds, I hope Pebble Beach is your week to shine.
Thanks Shells, I’ll be working hard for it. I’ll catch up with you there!
Stay tuned to Badds.com folks for a special guest over the next few days. He knows golf, he knows Badds, he knows Pebble Beach and he is lots of fun. I’m looking forward to hearing what he has to say about it...
You can also catch the latest from me at Twitter: @shwadey
GO BADDS!
Shelley