FIRST SHOT
Message from the CSGA Executive Director - Mike Moraghan
Up Close and Personal at the U.S. Open
F
or anyone who paid close attention to this year’s U.S. Open a handful of
memories will linger for some considerable time. The brutal conditions Saturday
afternoon, and the resulting controversy over the USGA’s course setup will be re-
membered. Phil Mickelson lumbering across the crest of the 13th green and slap-
ping his rolling golf ball back toward the hole will no doubt be replayed in people’s
minds, and in recaps where analysts attempt to understand the thick lefty.
Fans of great golf and especially those of Tommy Fleetwood will remember
his closing 63, which could very well have been 62 or 61. The mano-a-mano match-
up of heavyweights Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka will be remembered, al-
though it may be forgotten that it was Koepka’s deft touch more than his brute
strength that won him the 2018 Championship.
Hopefully, this Open will not be remembered as the tipping point where
Fox Sports, the USGA, Phil, and a collection of anonymous screamers combined
their worst efforts to turn a great and historic championship into the X Games.
But with obnoxious fans yelling “Baba Booey!” or something equally stupid af-
ter every tee shot, with Fox spreading microphones
everywhere and inevitably broadcasting conversa-
tions that should never be heard, with greens roll-
ing like skateboard half pipes, at least on Saturday,
and with Phil in one senseless blunder turning the
artful into the ridiculous, only time will tell.
Sad really, that years of meticulous prepara-
tion can turn so quickly to undercut the good ef-
forts of so many. But such is life on the biggest
stage where careers can be elevated or diminished
in a matter of minutes.
CSGA Executive Director Mike Moraghan,
Dustin Johnson on Shinnecock’s 10th tee.
6 | CSGA Links // July 2018
For me, the practice round days, Monday
through Wednesday will remain a joyful and un-
forgettable experience. Along with good friend and
colleague Kevin Purcell, Executive Director of the
New Jersey State Golf Association, and a hand-
ful of other lucky individuals, we were invited by
the USGA to serve as Starters during the practice
rounds.
Kevin and I worked as a team on the 10th tee
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