US Open Golf 2012: Why Open Is PGA's Greatest Event

The greatest event on the golf calendar is just days away. Players will tee up on the Olympic Course on Thursday (weather permitting) with the hopes of winning 2012's second major. But the U.S. Open is not just a major, it is the best major.  

All of the majors feature a unique set of circumstances that they can throw at you in consideration to be the best, but the most convincing argument can be made by the U.S. Open. 

The Best are Humbled 

The U.S. Open is played on different courses, with no particular order. The only unifying theme is that they are all challenging courses, and they are made even more difficult just for the Open. The greens are practically concrete, pins are in a difficult position for all four days, tees are moved back and the rough is miserable. 

This certainly is not the player's favorite aspect, but it can be a kick as a spectator to watching a pro have a hard time getting out of the rough, bouncing off a green or three putting. This is the biggest challenge of the golf year, and it makes the event a nice break from the norm. 

It also rewards the golfer who can play the cleanest and most consistent golf. It puts a premium on accuracy, distance and a deft short game. 

It is Open

The U.S. Open isn't just a name, it means something. This and the British Open are the only PGA events where you don't have to have your tour card to compete. 

You simply have to win a couple of qualifying rounds. The British Open has begun to whittle the amount of spots for these qualifiers, but the U.S. remains as Open as ever. 

This always lends itself to charming stories and Cinderella possibilities. This year Casey Martin will be grabbing headlines as he rides a cart around on the only course he played in a major in. 

Martin tied for 28th in 1998. He is now 40, the circulation problem that causes him to ride a cart is worse, and he no longer trains to be a professional golfer, but he will be out there with a shot at eternal glory.

Ends on Father's Day 

I got into golf because my father and my grandpa played. They got me started, taught me how to swing, and eventually took me golfing (which inadvertently may have taught me a few words not fit for publication).

I was able to enjoy this sport with them even as age drastically changed our ability levels. I was extremely lucky in this regard, and I know there are plenty of other individuals who enjoyed getting to know the game in a similar way. 

This is a great sport for families to share together, and it is fun to embrace this bonding tool on a day devoted to celebrating our fathers.