Nothing like a Father's Day hanging with my son in front of the Open. I spend my time with him waxing on about how Merion will be this unique test of shot making. I talk to my boy about how length shouldn't matter and this will be a test of raw skill, to wit my son says. "Dad, how come these guys can't reach the par 3 with driver?" The USGA pulled a "bait and switch".

By the numbers it was the shortest course the USGA has had in sometime. So have we developed a renewed taste for the classic designs, rough and ratty edged bunkers, mottled turf, independent of whether or not the venue is good for live spectator viewing? Bob Costas said to David Faye, "It's like holding the Final Four in the Butler University Fieldhouse.

For the players, they all seemed worn out by the time they got off the course. The grind of having to make precise shots either bores you to death or keeps your heart pounding with every swing.  These guys are not used to playing these types of courses. They are used to the "Arena Golf League" sponsored by the PGA Tour.

Now that all is that is left for Matt Shaffer and the crew is to recover from the crowd-mud left outside the ropes, we can all wonder if this "Merion-experiment" provided useful data. Many players didn't like how the course was manipulated nor how limited road access might make them late for their tee-time. But this is their own "bait and switch".

These guys want to bomb-it. Look at the difference between the players who compete for the Open and the guys who win on the Tour all the time. For me we can sustain the golf turf industry by blending the challenge of precise shot making with the bombing drive. Courses should be managed to challenge all parts of your game. Problem is if we really wanted to do that to the average golfer who shoots in the low 90's, golf holes would be shorter and greens rolling 9 feet.

This is perfect for the USGA's emphasis on fixing slow play. Shorten the holes and slow the greens down. Make folks believe length does not matter by teeing it forward, but every once in a while give them a 299 yard par 3. A perfect bait and switch we can all support!