U.S. Open returns to Southern California as L.A. Country Club hosts golf's toughest test
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Golf's toughest test has returned to Los Angeles for the first time in 75 years.
The 123rd U.S. Open will be held this year at the Los Angeles Country Club's North Course. The tournament was last held in L.A. in 1948 at the Riviera Country Club.
California love
This marks the third time in the past five years the U.S. Open will be contested in California, with Jon Rahm winning at Torrey Pines in 2021 and Gary Woodland at Pebble Beach in 2019.
A tough track
With some fun features, the North Course will be in the spotlight this year.
As expected, the USGA loves to tout the thick rough on U.S. Open courses, with golf balls essentially disappearing when they find the high grass.
Giving the people what they want.
— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) June 11, 2023
Cheers to the unofficial start of #USOpen week! pic.twitter.com/r3zLWG0Ou7
From the drivable 325-yard Par 4 6th hole to the course's signature hole, the 290-yard downhill Par 3 11th, it should be a fun week at the U.S. Open -- depending on your definition of fun.
290-yard par 3.
— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) June 6, 2023
Hole 11 will put players to the test. 🍿
The hot topic of discussion
While there will be plenty to discuss about the U.S. Open on the golf course this week, there is sure to be plenty of discussion about the shockwaves that hit the sports world earlier this month when the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia announced a potential multi-billion dollar merger.
The PGA Tour said it will merge with the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf, ending a bitter rivalry between the two groups that sparked an antitrust lawsuit as well as accusations of unfair behavior. https://t.co/TQPfQAu4Xl
— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) June 6, 2023
Looking to go back-to-back
Defending champion Matt Fitzpatrick heads into the U.S. Open looking to bounce back from a disappointing missed cut at the PGA Championship last month.
On the opposite side of disappointment, recent PGA Champion Brooks Koepka looks to stay on the hot streak at majors, with the win at Oak Hill and finishing tied for 2nd at the Masters in April.
Koepka has won 5 of the last 24 contested majors since winning his first at the 2017 US Open at Erin Hills, and then repeating in 2018 at Bethpage Black.
Hovland seeking a major
Viktor Hovland looks for his first major this week in L.A. after spending Sunday at the past three majors in contention and winning the Memorial earlier this month.
Who we won't see this week
A few names we won't see this week include Tiger Woods, still recovering from injury at the Masters, defending runner-up Will Zalatoris, out for the season, and the sensation of the golf world at the PGA Championship in Michael Block, who narrowly missed out on qualifying for this year's tournament.
A hometown fan favorite
Many people will likely be picking the hometown player Max Homa.
Born just 15 miles from L.A. Country Club and attending high school less than an hour away, the galleries will surely be cheering on Max.
Rory's nearly 10-year drought
Rory McIlroy looks to get back in the win column at majors.
It's been nearly a full 10 years since his last wins at the 2014 Open Championship and PGA Championship.
Lefty's quest for the grand slam
Will it be another year without completing the career grand slam for Phil Mickelson?
He still lacks the U.S. Open for his career resume.
Play starts Thursday
The tournament gets underway this Thursday morning and surely will be full of excitement for all of the golf world and sports world.