This week we will follow BDJ’s progress at the newly renovated Donald Ross masterpiece in Sanford, NC site of the 114th US Open. Unfortunately, our SBN brethren were a bit tough on our VT alum and his playing partners Kevin Stadler and Shane Lowry - something about their propensity for fast food. Recently, Brendon was honored with an inaugural Zim Golf Awards as International Golf Ambassador celebrating Golf Excellence along with fellow countrymen Nick Price, Tony Johnstone and current VT golfer Scott Vincent.
Brendon’s travails on the PGA Tour this year have been consistent, however not as favorable as he would have liked to see ranking 89th to date with $743,130 earnings. He has played in 20 events garnering 1 Top 10, 3 Top 25's in 15 events missing the cut 5 times. His best finish after The Masters was a 9th at Wells Fargo carding a second round 62 after ballooning to 80 in his first round that was characterized by an "out of body experience." No one wants to shoot the dreaded snowman but it does keep one humble. His course-tying 62 was followed by 68-69 to earn 95 FedEx Cup points and a wad of cash.
It’s apparent his ribs are still a bit tender from his Bay Hill injury. It will be interesting for all golfers with this NEW and improved set up at this year’s US Open whether it matters as to the length of rough, graduated or none at all. The fact remains that not having Tiger Woods in the field still damages the viewership of the USGA and PGA Tours as we know it today with the media scrambling for bylines on this year’s Masters Champion Bubba Watson, Jordan Speith’s emergence or Phil’s ability to NOT finish second for the seventh time – so much so ESPN’s doing lifestyle pieces on his caddie Bones MacKay. The storyline for Brendon will be can he take advantage of his length and accuracy off the tee to position himself on the green to play consistent enough near the top of the leaderboard.
For the most up to date news on BDJ at the US Open, follow Gobbler Country here and on Twitter.