Zach Johnson: They've Lost The Golf Course
The course has been heavily criticised
The two-time major winner was heavily critical of the course
Zach Johnson: They've Lost The Golf Course
The US Open this year at Shinnecock Hills has been brutal already, and Saturday is looking even more difficult.
It is becoming reminiscent to the controversial 2004 tournament where conditions were heavily criticised and the greens had to be watered between groups on the final day.
Two-time major winner Zach Johnson, speaking to Sky Sports' Sarah Stirk, was brutally honest in his post-round interview, saying that the USGA had "lost the golf course".
WATCH: Phil Mickelson purposely hits moving ball during US Open 3rd round
"I said it in 2004, that weekend before and that Monday through Friday was one of the best venues I've ever stepped foot on and I would say the same this week.
Get the top Black Friday deals right in your inbox: Sign up now!
The hottest deals and product recommendations during deals season straight to your inbox plus all the best game-changing tips, in-depth features and the latest news and insights around the game.
Johnson said he feels for the membership, some of whom he knows, and the fans for the carnage they are watching.
He also said he feels for the USGA.
"You've got to err on the side of conservative and that wasn't done today."
Expand WATCH: Phil Mickelson Hits Moving Ball At US Open
WATCH: Phil Mickelson Hits Moving Ball At US Open
Lefty had a truly bizarre moment during round
Expand US Open Leaderboard 2019
Find out who is leading the US Open…
Expand Inside Tiger Woods’ Yacht
Take a look inside the stunning $20m superyacht…
Expand US Open Quiz 2019
Test your knowledge of the US Open with…
Johnson shot 72 to take him to +8 for the tournament.
Tyrrell Hatton, who said he was "buzzing" with a 72, tweeted, "Going to be absolute carnage for the leaders on that back 9, some shocking pins considering the conditions."
Butch Harmon said in the Sky Sports commentary box, "I don't agree with it, I don't agree with the USGA the way they set it up.
"This is not fair, I don't care about how hard it is just make it fair that it rewards good shots and you can play the darn thing."
Related: Is Shinnecock Hills unfair?
Sky's Rich Beem reporting from the course whilst on air said 'the greens have gone past the brown stage and are now in the blue stage'.
Dustin Johnson's ball was later oscillating on the 5th green.
At the time of writing, Dustin Johnson is +4 for the day, level for the tournament, and no players are under par.
This is just another controversy after Phil Mickelson ran and putted a moving ball on the 13th green.
He was given a two stroke penalty and later admitted to knowing the rule and breaching it to gain an advantage on the hole.
For all the latest US Open news, check the Golf Monthly website and follow our social media channels
Elliott Heath is our News Editor and has been with Golf Monthly since early 2016 after graduating with a degree in Sports Journalism. He manages the Golf Monthly news team as well as our large Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. He covered the 2022 Masters from Augusta National as well as five Open Championships on-site including the 150th at St Andrews. His first Open was in 2017 at Royal Birkdale, when he walked inside the ropes with Jordan Spieth during the Texan's memorable Claret Jug triumph. He has played 35 of our Top 100 golf courses, with his favourites being both Sunningdales, Woodhall Spa, Western Gailes, Old Head and Turnberry. He has been obsessed with the sport since the age of 8 and currently plays off of a six handicap. His golfing highlights are making albatross on the 9th hole on the Hotchkin Course at Woodhall Spa, shooting an under-par round, playing in the Aramco Team Series on the Ladies European Tour and making his one and only hole-in-one at the age of 15 - a long time ago now!
Elliott is currently playing:
Driver: Titleist TSR4
3 wood: Titleist TSi2
Hybrids: Titleist 816 H1
Irons: Mizuno MP5 5-PW
Wedges: Cleveland RTX ZipCore 50, 54, 58
Putter: Odyssey White Hot OG #5
Ball: Srixon Z Star XV
-
Graham DeLaet Facts: 20 Things To Know About The PGA Tour Pro Turned Broadcaster
Graham DeLaet had a successful career in the game, but after injuries took a toll, he has stepped into a broadcasting role in recent years - here are 20 facts about him
By Mike Hall Published
-
Arron Oberholser Facts: 15 Things To Know About The PGA Tour-Winning Golf Channel Broadcaster
Arron Oberholser left his PGA Tour career behind to take up life as a Golf Channel broadcaster in 2013 – here are 15 things to know about him
By Mike Hall Published
-
Rory McIlroy Gym Routine... Revealed!
In this Rory McIlroy Gym Routine article we discover how the Northern Irishman keeps himself so fit
By Neil Tappin Published
-
What Is Tiger Woods' Net Worth?
Tiger Woods became the first billion dollar athlete in 2009
By Elliott Heath Last updated
-
The Masters Live Stream: How To Watch The Major
Here are all the details on how you can watch the Major wherever you are in the world.
By Sam Tremlett Published
-
Five Outsiders Who Could Win The Masters
We consider five players who might surprise the favourites and claim victory at Augusta
By Fergus Bisset Published
-
Who Is Tiger Woods’ Girlfriend?
Find out more on who the American professional golfer is going out with here.
By Matt Cradock Last updated
-
Bermuda Championship Golf Betting Tips 2021
Who is the GM Tipster backing to win this week in Bermuda?
By Jeremy Chapman Published
-
Jeff Winther Claims Maiden European Tour Title
Jeff Winther Claims Maiden European Tour Title
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Fredrik Andersson Hed Passes Away Following Battle With Cancer
Fredrik Andersson Hed Passes Away Following Battle With Cancer
By Matt Cradock Published