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Defending U.S. Open champion Rory McIlroy had the distinction of throwing out the first pitch before the San Francisco Giants game Tuesday night against the Houston Astros. It’s not something he practiced.
“I’ve been throwing a few golf balls on the course, threw a few medicine balls around … at the gym.
“I don’t know whether to play it conservatively and just lob it into his hand or go for the fast one.”
McIlroy’s appearance included fans receiving a bobble head doll with his likeness.
“I think it’s maybe better looking than me, which is a good thing.”
• Phil Mickelson said his group is making progress in its bid to buy the San Diego Padres, but he didn’t go into specifics when asked about it.
• It’s not enough at Olympic to drive the ball in the fairway. The second part of the difficult equation is keeping the ball in the fairway.
Several of the fairways have a significant tilt to them and with the firm, dry conditions, what appears to be a good tee shot can end up in the rough. It’s not hack-it-out rough, but it’s enough to be an issue.
BY THE NUMBERS
0: Number of players in their 20s who have finished first or second in the four previous U.S. Opens played at Olympic Club.
14: Age of amateur Andy Zhang, who will be the youngest ever to play in the U.S. Open. The previous record-holder was 15-year-old Tadd Fujikawa.
14: Number of different major championship winners in the past 14 majors played.
THEY SAID IT
“No way. Did you check his birth certificate?” Michael Allen on 14-year-old Andy Zhang getting into the field after Paul Casey withdrew.
“Oakmont was probably the toughest course I’ve ever seen. … I think here matches it, maybe a little bit tougher.” Bubba Watson.
“I like to think that (the U.S. Open) is my best opportunity for a major.” Matt Kuchar
