By: Yuer Li

The US Open started on June 16th and will last three days. Established in 1895 by Horace Rawlins (a golfer himself), it is one of the most prestigious golf tournaments. The winner of the US Open’s $17.5 million prizes is Matt Fitzpatrick, an English pro golfer.

One star of the US Open is Phil Mickelson, a six-time major champion who became the oldest major champion to win the PGA Championship. Mickelson had a lot of Drama during the US Open, including fans teasing him about his gambling habits. One fan called out: “Phil, Celtics three-and-half tonight, who do you like?” Mickelson has also been losing sponsors due to his criticism of the PGA Tour and quitting the tournament to join the Saudi government-funded LIV Invitational. His golf game has also been unsteady and has not improved. He bogeyed (a score of one stroke over par at a hole) the first and third hole and shot eight-over par 78.

One famous golfer that joined LIV is Dustin Johnson. Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson are playing for the Saudi-funded tournament. Lots of golfers have decided to give up their PGA membership and join LIV because LIV has offered to pay the golfers upwards of $200 million, just for competing! So far, it seems like LIV and the PGA Tour will be foes.

Golf is all about having the right mindset. For instance, if you miss a 2-foot putt, you must calm down, breathe then hit the ball. If you just get mad it’s very likely you will miss again. (Patience, young golfer!)

GOLF FUN FACTS:

• Golf can be traced back to Scotland in the 15th century

• The term “golf” originates from the Netherlands.

• Golf was actually banned by King James the Second in 1457.

• A dentist invented the Golf tee!

Article Link: *At U.S. Open, Betrayal, Greed, a LIV Golf Star and, Above All, Decorum – The New York Times.pdf