So, the US Open has rolled round again.
In the coming few days, we'll hear many comments pertaining to the difficulty of the tournament. Invariably, some will claim the course is simply too tough, and declare the tournament to be unfair.
Mike Davis, the USGA's Executive Director, always ensures the rough is penal, the fairways are narrow and the greens are lighting fast. Merion Golf Club will be no exception.
Every week, you turn on the television to see the game's best firing at pins, making a plethora of birdies and, more often than not, shooting in double figures under par.
Yes, that is hugely entertaining for the golf fan. But what some fail to grasp is that entertainment isn't solely confined to watching players making birdies.
Most of us love to see the world's best put through an exacting test; to demonstrate they are in control of every aspect of their game and show why they have reached the summit of the professional game.
It's enthralling viewing, and most of the players welcome the challenge. Granted, it isn't as fluid to watch, but the US Open takes place once a year, and it should present a different challenge.
If you win the US Open, no on can say you got lucky, or didn't deserve the title - the way a major should be. And, it's the same test for all involved, so how can it be unfair when success or failure is relative to everyone else in the field?
