"One Inverness member groused that the players were hitting 'from the ladies' tees' on No. 8."
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One Inverness member groused that the players were hitting "from the ladies' tees" on No. 8. That was a tad exaggerated, but one of only two par 5s on the course, and the only one that can be set up as a risk-reward, three-shot hole, played at 528 yards and ended with a benign front-right pin location. There are two Inverness member tees behind the one used Saturday for a major championship.
Then there was the par-3 12th, which can be stretched to 194 yards but was played 40 yards shorter. Sure, it mandates a carry over part of the pond. It's also the easiest tee box on the hole for accomplished players.
And these guys are exactly that. We certainly don't want to minimalize the lights-out golf that has been played. Browne and Mark O'Meara, in particular, have been spectacular.
After carding his 66, O'Meara was asked if he was surprised the setup hadn't been tougher considering the course's vulnerability.
"We're seniors," he said with a bemused, wry look.
Yes, indeed. The best senior golfers in the world. It's time to turn Inverness loose to provide a test that befits their national championship.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but by the time future major dates open up, something closer to 8,000 yards will be a virtual necessity. Sorry Inverness. Doesn't mean you aren't a swell place for golf.
**The SI gang defended the setup:
Van Sickle: It's a weather-related coincidence. Heavy rain followed by high heat. The Senior Open leaderboard was pretty strong. So was Congressional's. I don't think there's anything wrong with red numbers at the Open, but for the sake of its reputation, the USGA probably shouldn't make a habit of it. That said, in the TV age, it's all about presenting a compelling show. Birdies seem more compelling than pars and bogeys.
Herre: The course played plenty tough on Sunday, when it finally dried out.
Godich: Plus, this isn't the first time the seniors have gone low at the Open. Fred Funk was 20-under at Crooked Stick just two years ago, and other winners have been double-digit under par.
