Scottie Scheffler of the U.S. celebrates with the Claret Jug trophy after profitable The 153rd Open Championship. Picture: REUTERS
SOUTHAMTON:
Whereas top-ranked Scottie Scheffler chases a profession Grand Slam at this week’s US Open, European golfers can obtain an unprecedented treble if certainly one of them wins the title at Shinnecock.
The yr’s third main match begins Thursday over the windy 7,440-yard (6,800-meter) Lengthy Island format, the place lightning-fast greens and thick tough add to the problem.
“Lots of it simply comes right down to execution, however I believe persistence is a big a part of it as nicely,” stated Scheffler.
A lot of the main target is upon the American, who may grow to be solely the seventh participant to finish the profession Slam with a victory on Sunday, which is his thirtieth birthday.
“Wouldn’t it be a dream to win the US Open? After all,” Schefflersaid. “However on the finish of the day, the Grand Slam has by no means been a motivating issue for me. I all the time simply wished to be the perfect model of myself and that received me this far.”
Golfers from the UK have received the primary two majors of the yr, second-ranked Rory McIlroy of Northern Eire defending his Masters crown in April after finishing his profession Slam final yr and England’s Aaron Rai taking final month’s PGA Championship.
It is a feat not seen within the four-major period because the Masters started in 1934, and one other European victory would match the continent’s greatest run of three majors in a yr since 2014, when McIlroy received the PGA and British Open after Germany’s Martin Kaymer captured the US Open.
“A historic begin to the main season for golfers from that a part of the world, and I might say that is extra a UK/European fashion of take a look at than definitely the primary two majors,” McIlroy stated.
“So it definitely would not shock me to see a couple of gamers from Europe and the UK in rivalry on Sunday.”
Scheffler was shocked UK gamers had not received the primary two majors prior to now.
“It has by no means occurred earlier than?” Scheffler stated. “That is a bit shocking with the quantity of expertise that has come out of the UK. I believe golf is changing into more and more a world recreation.”
Scheffler stated Shinnecock being a links-style course close to the water and its breezes make it a chief spot for Europeans who know their hyperlinks golf.
“For those who grew up on a hyperlinks course out in direction of the coast, yeah, I believe there can be some worth there, simply primarily based on this sort of wind,” Scheffler stated.
“For those who’re hitting the ball in the proper spots, you possibly can play this golf course. The minute you begin hitting the ball offline, you are like, man, how do I even end this gap?”
Scheffler, a two-time Masters champion, received final yr’s British Open and PGA Championship to present himself a primary probability to complete the profession Slam at Shinnecock.
Scheffler would be a part of Tiger Woods, McIlroy, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Gary Participant and Gene Sarazen as the one gamers to finish the profession Grand Slam.
South Africa’s Participant is the one one to have accomplished the profession Slam by profitable a US Open.
Persistence wanted
Scheffler’s solely win this yr got here within the California desert in January, however he reeled off three runner-up efforts in a row together with the Masters.
“I really feel like I have been shut many of the yr. I simply have not been as sharp as I wanted,” Scheffler stated. “Margins are so small on this recreation, to be profitable numerous tournaments you have to simply be actually sharp.”
McIlroy is cautious of Shinnecock luring gamers into errors.
“This course calls for a lot persistence and it could possibly lure you into doing belongings you should not do,” he stated.
“If all the things goes the best way everybody needs it by way of climate, setup, it is the perfect championship take a look at within the nation.”
