The arguments are endless. Those in the South tend to love the Masters because of its location, tradition, heritage and exclusivity.
Others from elsewhere argue that the U.S. Open is the best tournament to win because it’s open to everybody with a certain handicap, $150 and a dream. Then there are those across the Atlantic who believe the British Open claret jug is the top trophy in the game.
Every argument is a good one.
But only the U.S. Open crowns an individual champion after four grueling rounds on one of America’s most famous courses — a different one every year, set up with the narrowest of fairways, the thickest of roughs and the slickest of greens, as will be the case at Pebble Beach beginning Thursday.
“If you’re only going to win one tournament, that’s the one you want to win. It’s the toughest to win,” said Chattanooga’s veteran PGA Tour and Champions Tour pro Gibby Gilbert, the Masters runner-up in 1980.
More than 9,000 men ranging from teenagers to seniors and touring pros to club pros and amateurs applied this year. Former Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz gave it a try. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo advanced to sectional qualifying, where he played with former Rocky Face, Ga., resident Thomas Hagler IV.
“He’s pretty good, better than I thought,” said Hagler, who came up short in qualifying. “He hits it a ton and plays a little bit of a draw.”
The Open also allows for the stories of different players to be told, such as Scott Langley, who was the NCAA individual medalist at The Honors Course last week, and pro Erik Compton, who has undergone two heart transplants.
“The U.S. Open leaves an opening for a different type of story, and that’s interesting,” Gilbert said. “Everybody has a day — everybody can have one great day at the Open — but it’s hard to have four.”
Gilbert played in the 1972 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach with Jack Nicklaus. The memorable shot from that tournament was his 1-iron into the wind on the par-3 17th that hit the stick in the final round. Gilbert shot four straight 77s.
Coming this weekStaff coverage of the U.S. Open from Pebble Beach in print and at www.timesfreepress.com. Follow writer David Uchiyama on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/UchSports
“They set it up different than any tournament the rest of the year,” he said. “It proves that you can adapt to their situation, which I never could.
“Pebble Beach is one of my favorite courses, and if you play it on a non-windy day and the greens are holding, it’s not that tough of a course.”
But Pebble isn’t set up for normal conditions this week. These are U.S. Open conditions, which former Baylor School star Luke List has experienced three times in his career. List did not advance from local qualifying this year.
“It’s not written that Tiger Woods has to win,” List said. “Anybody who ponies up the money and gets through qualifying can win.
“It’s the biggest United States, if not worldwide, (golf) event. It’s one of the biggest prizes you can play for.”