Leone’s Lessons: Playing in the U.S. Open may not be something
you’re preparing for, but working on your short game will save you
strokes, and may even win you a club championship.
What a U.S. Open it was at Pebble! The Irish took home golf’s most prestigious trophy. Let’s take a look at some of the key’s that won the championship.
Graeme McDowell played the most consistent on the weekend. He avoided the big number, and made the fewest mistakes.
Before the tournament began, I happened to catch Tom Watson during a practice round. I noticed he was spending much of his time around the greens, playing various shots and putting.
As he walked off the 13th green, I asked him why he was spending so much time around the greens and little time with his driver. His kind response: “You’re going to mishit shots. Getting up and down is what wins this championship.”
He also said, as the week progresses, the greens firm up, so you better be prepared to suck it up when you miss and figure out how to get it close to give yourself a chance to save par.
Playing in the U.S. Open may not be something you’re preparing for, but working on your short game will save you strokes, and may even win you a club championship.
