Lengthy course could pose problems to local
Fred Funk is well aware of what he gives away in length. But he might want to put a price on his local knowledge of Congressional, the kind offered for free during his practice round Monday.
In a foursome with Alvaro Quiros, Funk landed 50 yards shorter with his drive down the middle than the Spaniard — even if Quiros went well right. Quiros is ranked ninth in driving distance on the PGA Tour (300.4 yards), while Funk is ranked 188th (263.3).
But Funk knew what was needed on the lengthy par-3 second hole, and he offered Quiros the wood he used to find the green 233 yards away. Quiros turned Funk down, stuck with an iron and ended up short and left.
| U.S. Open |
| When » Thursday-Sunday |
| Where » Congressional Country Club, Bethesda |
| TV » Thurs.-Fri. (ESPN); Sat.-Sun (NBC) |
“I remember my first Tour event ever was here on this venue,” said Funk, the oldest member of the field at the 111th U.S. Open — Tuesday is his 55th birthday. “I remember making the cut, and I got paired with Payne Stewart before Payne Stewart wore knickers, and that was pretty neat. I just remember it was a great experience.”
Funk’s Maryland upbringing could make him the tournament’s most beloved player.
Knowing that his game isn’t likely to last him until the next time the U.S. Open returns to his hometown, Funk intends to make the most of his walk around the course this week. He surprised himself with his own emotions after breaking out of a recent slump to qualify at Woodmont earlier this month.
A final-round 62 on the Champions Tour last weekend is proof that distance alone doesn’t define his game.
“Some of the guys said, ‘Be careful what you wish for,’ and all that,” Funk said. “That was the same reaction I had when I qualified for Bethpage a couple years ago. Wow, what a hard golf course that was, too. Really long. But I did make the cut there.”
Funk also finished last (60th) among the players that did survive the first two days of the 2009 U.S. Open. But just the chance to make the cut again would give Funk the perfect Father’s Day gift of a Sunday round with his 15-year-old son, Taylor, who’s been his caddy this summer. To get there, Funk welcomes the advantage that he’ll have in fan support and his intimate understanding of the course.
“I can’t imagine they’ll play the tips every day,” Funk said. “But if they do, that’s fine, I’ll get home eventually — because there are some holes I just can’t reach. It’ll be a test.”
