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MyGolfSpy
June 14, 2024

Hi Golfer,

Have we got ourselves a proper U.S. Open Championship?

Patrick Cantlay and Rory (LFG!) shot 5-under with Ludvig Åberg nipping at their heels at 4-under.

Their opening round scores suggest that, for now, anyway, Pinehurst No. 2 is gettable.

Having said that, not everyone is in great shape. Matt Fitzpatrick and Tiger Woods have some work to do to stay above the cut line, while Justin Thomas (77), Viktor Hovland (78), and Phil Mickelson (79) are all but certain to miss the weekend.

I know you’re probably working, but you can still watch here.

📰 TODAY’S SPY NEWS

▶️ Does it get any cooler than THIS?
▶️ The MOST telling stat from the U.S. Open?
▶️ Do you wear one of THESE?

⚙️ GOLF GEAR

Coolest U.S. Open Gear

Better than a Ticket?

I’ve not been shy about my love of major-themed golf gear. There’s a reason my X (Twitter) scrolling rapidly intensifies around each major tournament.

Oh, you’re looking for some, too? Once I saw the ticket prices for Sunday, I knew the merch tent wasn’t going to be an option. Luckily for you and me, the internet exists and it’s full of some fantastic U.S. Open shoes, apparel and accessories.

Here are a few of my favorites.

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🏌️‍♂️ TOUR NEWS & OPINION

Pinehurst No. 2’s Greens Rejecting Balls in All Directions

Devilish Conditions

Years ago, when I played a bunch of the Pinehurst courses with friends, we invented a new stat: TTGBF.

"Touched The Green But F***ed."

This was to account for all the seemingly good shots where the ball landed on the green but bounced, rolled, trickled or wiggled off the domed, sloping putting surface into horrific spots from where saving par was a dream.

We have plenty of advanced stats in the Strokes Gained era but for the 124th United States Open, on devilish Pinehurst No. 2, TTGBF might be the most telling metric.

👀 READ MORE FROM ALAN SHIPNUCK

🕵️ FRIDAY SPY TIPS

Focus on the Mental Game

When a course is as difficult as Pinehurst No. 2, it’s easy to place the blame for high scores on the challenges presented by barren native areas and fast greens with false fronts.

They certainly contribute, but when conditions are tough, I’d argue golf becomes more a test of mental acumen than physical execution.

We can all learn from that.

Control What You Can

It doesn’t matter how good a golfer you are, bad swings are unavoidable. But mental mistakes - bad decisions and poor strategy - are entirely within your control.

So, the next time you’re on the course, try focusing less on execution and results and instead invest those efforts in course strategy and decision-making.

Shooting 59 isn’t likely within your capabilities, but a perfect mental round is achievable, and I bet you’ll post a lower score for it.

Let us know how it goes.

EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Save 25% on award-winning PrimePutt putting greens when you use code: GOLFSPYDAD.

🏆 BUYER’S GUIDE

The Best Golf Vests

Options for Every Golfer

Vests are easy to stuff in your bag, easy to pull on and off in a pinch and thrive in a wide variety of conditions, making them one of the most essential pieces of your golf kit. It can be hard to predict when a light breeze will turn into a 20 mph crosswind but with a vest in tow, you’ll always be ready.

We’ve put a lot of golf vests through their paces over the years, so we’re confident we can help you make the right choice, whether you’re prepping for a trip to blustery links courses or need something to keep you warm on early mornings at your local course.

Read on to find the best golf vests on the market right now.

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