The great Lee Trevino once said that Merion is a ‘thinking man’s golf course’. The 2013 U.S. Open will be played again at the venerable old course outside of Philadelphia for the first time in 32 years and will be the fifth U.S. Open hosted at Merion.
They have been golfing at Merion since 1896 and just to look at the fairways and the surrounding grounds leaves no doubt that there abides a time honored tradition there where the greatest names in golf have competed over the years.
Although a bit short for a normal PGA tournament at 6,996 yards, the Merion course offers one of the most challenging venues in golf.
The famous photo of Ben Hogan winning the 1950 U.S. Open was taken on the 18th hole at Merion. Lee Trevino finally beat Jack Nicklaus after an 18 hole playoff at Merion in 1971. Remember when Trevino threw the rubber snake at Nicklaus?
Golfers love Merion. When asked which was the best hole at Merion, Jack Nicklaus replied, “All of them.”
One of the odd things about the course is that they use wicker baskets on the greens instead of flagsticks. Now that is a quaint custom…but how do you judge the wind from a wicker basket?
One thing that has golfers and handicappers alike concerned is the amount of rainfall in the area over the past week and the possibility of more still to come.
Merion will not be an easy test for this years’ field. While the par 70 course does have some short par fours, the two par fives are very long and the threes range from 115-256 yards. Players will likely be using every club in their bags before all is said and done.
Las Vegas oddsmakers are counting heavily on Tiger Woods to repeat as the 2013 U.S. Open Champion. LVH SuperBook has Woods listed as a solid favorite at 9-to-2 with his closest competitors coming in at 20-to-1 or more. Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlroy, Adam Scott, Matt Kuchar and Graeme McDowell are the guys at 20-to-1.
Handicappers are also posting a whole world of props for the 2013 U.S. Open. Bettors can find action on any aspect of the contest from matchups to over and under props for each hole.
Millions of viewers world-wide will be watching the Open this year and many of them will have wagers riding on the results. Have Fun and Good Luck!
