Firstly, in my view, Chambers Bay was not a suitable course to host a major golf championship. The greens were not pure, there were too many unfair bounces and I felt the players were not certain that if they hit a good shot, they would be rewarded 100% of the time. It makes for great viewing, but the USGA should revert back to traditional venues, such as Winged Foot as a default. Jordan Spieth's winning score of 5 under was 10 shots better than Geoff Ogilvy's winning total of 5 over par at Winged Foot 9 years ago. This set up was worse than Shinnecock Hills in 2004.
Secondly, Texan Jordan Spieth has a major temperament. He could have folded after the double bogey on 17, but followed that with a birdie on 18. It was left to Dustin Johnson to 'double fault' the final hole, handing Spieth the trophy. I get the sense that if the roles were reversed, Spieth would not have three putted as Johnson did. Spieth is a brilliant talent, undoubtedly, but his temperament is worth so many strokes. He is 21 going on 41. He has won the first two majors of the year, and only five other golfers have done that. He is the youngest golfer to win the US Open in 92 years. He is the youngest golfer to win two majors in 93 years. He won this US Open by 'hanging around'. He is great for the game of golf.
Thirdly, Spieth has laid down the gauntlet to Rory McIlroy. The world number one finally caught fire on Sunday, but that missed putt on 14 derailed his chances. McIlroy will be licking his chops for the challenges ahead at St Andrews (Open) and Whistling Straits (US PGA), two courses which suit his game. Bring it on. I was delighted to see Shane Lowry finish inside the top 10. What we need to remember is that Lowry is only 28 and his best days are ahead of him. He's back in the world's top 50, has done enough for a US Tour card and he'll love the challenge of St Andrews. He can win one of these. It was also a class act for him to wear black all weekend in memory of the students that tragically lost their lives at Berkeley.
I hope Jason Day makes a quick recovery and controls this vertigo issue. He is a great competitor and deserves a shot at major glory without uncertainty over health issues. His round of 68 on Saturday was golfing bravery to rival Ken Venturi.
And what about Louis Oosthuizen? The South African played his last 54 holes in 11 under par to finish 1 shot behind Spieth. Who was the last Open Championship winner at St Andrews? Louis Oosthuizen. Roll on July.
