2012 US Open: Aussie report card

We rate the Australian performances at the 2012 US Open.
With the Webb Simpson winning US Open now behind us, let’s wrap things up by looking at the performances of each of the Aussies before we turn out attention to The British Open Championship in July.

John Senden (Finished +5 for the tournament in a tie for 10th)
Battled beautifully all week despite many assuming his putter wouldn’t get him through to a Sunday finish. When he made it through the tough opening six holes without dropping a shot on Sunday, Senden looked set to take a shot at the US Open, but unfortunately went out without much of a whimper. He’ll be better for the experience.

“I’m happy with the week, especially after mental battles on course in the last month.”

Adam Scott A (+6, T15)
An opening round 6-over 76 meant he was going to be battling to stay in contention all week. But battle he did. Three consecutive par rounds saw him finish at +6 for the tournament and can stay positive as he heads towards The British Open at Royal Lytham.

Alistair Presnell B (+9, T29)

If you exclude Aaron Baddeley’s horrible US Open, Alistair Presnell was the surprise Australian performance of the week. A journeyman on the Australasian and Nationwide Tour’s, only a few gave Presnell a chance at playing on the weekend but a fabulous opening round had him about the place on the weekend.

Thrilled to finish +9 at my first major. Thinking of my dad today – US fathers day – & know he would be proud. Still buzzing!
#usopengolf

— Alistair Presnell (@alpresnell) June 17, 2012

Jason Day C+ (+15, T59)
Made the cut and wasn’t particularly out of contention but one wonders if JD has more important things on his mind. His first child is due this week. Anyone who has had kids may wonder where his mind will be at for the remainder of the year.
Rod Pampling C- (+19, 70)
Some may have been surprised to see Pampling make the cut after an up and down year to say the least. Along with Scott and Day though, he didn’t hit enough fairways to have any chance at Olympic. He must take some positives out of the week as it was his best performance at a major championship since 2008.

Wow this course is playing difficult, a lot of fun actually having to play golf. #shapeitbothways

— Rod Pampling (@RodPampling) June 17, 2012

Geoff Ogilvy F (+10, MC)
Ogilvy’s week off with mates before the Open didn’t pay dividends this year and missed the cut. I’m guessing Ogilvy, who has vast knowledge of course design, would have been fuming for most of his two rounds at what he saw at Olympic.

Brendan Jones F (+11, MC)
Jones has now missed the cut in six of his previous eight major appearances. The travel from Japan is clearly not the ideal preparation for a major and may need to rethink this for future events.
Anthony Summers F (+12, MC)
While it is always a fail when you miss the cut, you can’t help but think Anthony Summers just got a massive jolt of experience this week. His qualification story was one that rivals that of Cinderella, without the shoe bit at the end.
From his daily blog at the Australian PGA website:
“I had a cool moment when walking on the range today when Sean Foley stopped me and introduced himself. He said he had read my story and that he loved that stuff about guys hanging in there and persevering so that was a nice interaction.”
Aaron Baddeley F
Possibly the most surprising aspect of the week from an Australian perspective was the horrendous US Open from Aaron Baddeley. Tipped by many (including yours truly) as a good chance for best Aussie, Baddeley missed the cut after rounds of 75 and 79. Just 21% of drives hit the fairway for Badds which explains the large scores.

One thought on “2012 US Open: Aussie report card

  • Great week by John Senden who has been overdue with a performance like this. A really solid ball striker and if he hangs in there can win a major soon.

    Adam Scott was consistent as ever. It’s shame about that 1st round 76 as he would have been right there on the weekend. Not a golf course you want to be playing catch up on.

    Reply

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