UNIVERSITY PLACE — There’s no knowledge like local knowledge.
Two golfers who could walk to Chambers Bay from their houses were among the first to play at the U.S. Open on Thursday.
One looked perfectly at home.
Michael Putnam, who grew up five minutes from the golf course, shot an even-par 70. That was the same score he shot when he played the course’s first 18-hole round in 2007.
As Putnam teed off in the tournament’s first group at 7 a.m., Troy Kelly simultaneously began his round on the 10th tee. Kelly lives eight minutes from Chambers Bay and shot 2-over.
Putnam has played Chambers Bay dozens of times. He knows where the hidden traps are on this treacherous tract.
“There were a few pin positions that I knew I wasn’t going to mess with,” he said. “I could have had 10 feet for a birdie, but you can also hit a bad shot and make a seven.”
Putnam has earned $2.27 million since turning pro in 2005. He gained entry to the U.S. Open at a sectional qualifier in Ohio.
Kelly hasn’t played a full PGA season since 2012. Since then, he’s had his left hip replaced and dealt with ailments in both knees. Yet he qualified for this tournament at last week’s sectional event in Cle Elum.
Bubba’s temper burns
Frustration got the better of Bubba Watson on the 18th Hole.
Irked by the persistent slow play of the group ahead, Watson’s temper boiled over after he hooked his second shot into the par-5 finishing hole.
“Thirty-minute wait!” Watson shouted. “This is pathetic professional golf!”
Watson declined to talk to the media after his round despite shooting even par.
Spectator frustration
Watson wasn’t the only one frustrated Thursday. A common complaint among the gallery was how difficult it was to see golfers on some holes. The large dunes at Chambers Bay blocked many vantage points for those not in a greenside grandstand.
Those dunes were largely blocked off from spectators due to steep and slippery conditions. But when Phil Mickelson’s large following reached the 12th hole, hundreds of fans scampered atop a large mound that was roped off. From there, they took in a perch-like view of Mickelson despite the efforts of marshals to keep them off.
Amateur hour
Cole Hammer is only 15 years old, so forgive him for not being quite as eloquent as others when describing his first U.S. Open round.
“I can’t even describe what I felt on the first tee,” he said. “It was like nervous excitement. It was so cool.”
Hammer, who shot 7-over, was the youngest of 16 amateurs in this year’s tournament.
The best amateur Thursday was Brian Campbell, a recent University of Illinois grad who is tied for fourth at 3-under.
