The USGA normally has to wait until June before the annual necessity to hunker down as criticism flies from all directions. The men’s US Open, as beset by complaints relating to course setup or rules matters, has become the most controversial tournament in golf. At Pebble Beach next month, another fevered chapter will surely play out.
This week’s US Women’s Open, which takes place in Charleston, also under the guidance of the USGA, has been afforded a noisy backdrop of its own. An anonymous survey carried out by Golf Digest – interviewing players, caddies, coaches and the like from golf’s top level – produced all manner of stinging rebukes towards the USGA. Whether or not the cloak of anonymity enhances or embellishes viewpoints is up for debate but the overriding message was clear; golf’s ruling body in the US has few prominent supporters. The analysis was scathing.
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