I was fortunate enough to be able to attend single rounds of the 2005 and 2014 U.S. Opens that were held in Pinehurst, N.C.
My buddy Norm and I went in '05, seeing even-par Michael Campbell fend off the people's choice, Tiger Woods, and the Scooter's choice, Tim Clark (go Pack!). In 2014, Martin Kaymer led wire to wire, winning by an absurd eight strokes.
Pinehurst No. 2 is diabolical, with turtle-shell-shaped greens, sand and weeds everywhere, and blistering heat. So for Rory McIlroy to play so well all week only to give a win away based on missing a pair of three-foot putts in the final few holes was devastating.
Unfortunately, it's also part of McIlroy's legacy. Perhaps the most talented golfer of his generation, he's become known for an inability to put away majors. This time, Bryson DeChambeau took his lead back when it counted most for his second major (McIlroy has four and zero in the last decade).
I was rooting for Rory, but certainly not surprised that he found a way to hand the trophy back. But it was fun as always to watch the final round on Father's Day, with a cold beer, memories of Norm ... and recollections of past days in Pinehurst.
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