Davis: “I would contend that if you saw Merion firm for four straight days versus soft for four straight days, you may see an 18-to 20-shot difference in the winning score.”

Bill Pennington considers Merion's place in the technology debate this week for an NY Times story and it includes this eye-opening quote from the USGA's Mike Davis.

Particularly because it was probably said before the recent downpours that have hit Merion on the U.S. Open eve.

“I would contend that if you saw Merion firm for four straight days versus soft for four straight days, you may see an 18- to 20-shot difference in the winning score,” Davis said. “But we can’t control the weather.”

Radar as of 9:15 ET Monday night.It's dreary to read about it, but the Monday coverage obviously focused on weather issues. Dave Shedloski with this GolfDigest.com roundup also included the USGA's plan to not use lift, clean and place at this time.

But there was also a huge cell hitting Merion Monday night (pictured right).

Timothy Carroll also included this quote from Davis in his roundup:

Mike Davis, executive director of the USGA, expressed confidence despite the near-biblical rains and the dire forecast for Thursday. “The course drains beautifully,” he said at a previously unscheduled news conference. He noted that the course is played over rolling hills with few, if any, flat parts where standing water would be an issue.