Brian Gay has only won 3 golf tournaments in his career, but in 2009, when he wins a tournament, he wins it big. In April Gay won the Verizon Heritage by a whopping 10 strokes, lapping the field finishing at 20 under par. His latest victory came at the St. Jude Classic, where he posted a final score of 18 under par, 5 strokes ahead of David Toms and Bryce Molder who finished at 13 under par.
With his victory in the St. Jude Classic, Gay earned a spot in the U.S. Open to be played June 18-20 at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York. Bethpage Black is a long golf course, and some of the holes demand a carry of 250 yards or more just to reach the fairway. Gay is not the longest hitter on tour, so I look for Bethpage Black to give him a lot of trouble.
In 2002 when the U.S. Open was held at Bethpage, the crowd treated Phil Mickelson as though he was one of their own. I look for him to get an even bigger reception this time. Although the New York crowds are always appreciative of good golf shots, they seem to be a little move vocal when it’s Phil hitting those good shots.
The U.S. Open is the golf tournament I look forward to the most all year, since it is our National Championship, and of course I always root for an American to win. This years tournament should be very interesting, as the Majors always seem to be.