Tiger Woods receives Limited Coverage at the 2009 U.S. Open

Father's Day Weekend is the traditional time set for the U.S. Open. This year was no different except that because of extreme weather conditions and lots of rain, it took an extra day on Monday, June 22nd, to complete the tournament.

The Open was played at BethPage Black in New York. I enjoyed, or maybe endured, the extensive media coverage of this event and found it most interesting that I did not have to watch shot after shot of Tiger Woods. Don't get me wrong, while I respect his ability and his accomplishments, the media coverage he receives can be over-the-top. Granted he was not leading the tournament and struggled with putting on the rain soaked greens, which definitely played slower than intended. I think his lack-luster play allowd the media to focus on the professionals that were making a charge, hitting a great bunker shot, getting an unusual eagle or birdie, and just playing better.

The emotional and fan favorite at the "Open" was Phil Mickelson. If the fans could "will" this win for him, I think they did everything possible to help him win this one!! Although he tried to right his ship, unfortunately, he once again came up short and tied for 2nd place, This was his 5th tie for second place at the U.S. Open, a tournament that he clearly would love to win. Unfortunately, Phil once again finished as the "bridesmaid". What a shock to see David Duval, who also tied for second place, along with Mickelson and Ricky Barnes. Duval received more coverage at this event than he has in total for the past five years of his comeback efforts. Duval was listed at the start of the tournament as the 828 player, a far cry from being #1 ten years ago. What a great effort and I sure hope that he is on the right track.

Ricky Barnes, who was leading the tournament at the beginning of Sunday's play, was paired in the last group with Lucas Glover. Barnes, who has been on the Nationwide Tour for the past several years, tied for second place along with Mickelson and Duval. Barnes' performance moved him from the 519 position to 153. Although he faltered during the final round, staying at the top will give him a great deal of confidence, not to mention, a great money prize and additional golf tournament invitations. Our winner was Lucas Glover, a professional who has been playing for a number of years. A competent, steady and quiet player whose last win came at the old Funai Tournament in Orlando, Florida, several years ago. A wonderful effort, great money reward and future sponsorships.

Lots of different shots of many professional golfers who are out there week in and week out trying to make a living from a difficult choice of professions. Of course, the real professional is there for the love of the game not the money!

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