What is the US Open Winning Score at Merion in 2013?

[Rick Sides]

I know this is a bit ahead of its time, but does someone like Rory or another stud eat Merion up like Rory did Congressional?

[Dan Herrmann]

It all depends on the weather.  A firm and fast Merion is an amazingly difficult golf course.

[Ronald Montesano]

Ahead of its time...like Joseph.

[JR Potts]

Around -15.  Rory can hit his 3 iron 270 yards.  The course, like 99 percent of courses in th world, will be minced meat.

"These guys are good"

[Jim Nugent]

Around -15.  Rory can hit his 3 iron 270 yards.  The course, like 99 percent of courses in th world, will be minced meat.

Given that, what clubs will the pro's hit into the greens?  Also, how tough are the par 3s?   

[Joe Bausch]

Around -15.  Rory can hit his 3 iron 270 yards.  The course, like 99 percent of courses in th world, will be minced meat.

Also, how tough are the par 3s?   

#3.  About 220 yards normally, and with the option to go to 270 playing from No 6's back tee.
#9.  New tee takes this out to about 230ish.
#13.  130 yards, unless they move the 12th green. 
#17.  250 yards.

I would think anybody playing the one-shotters under par would be very satisfied.

[Scott Warren]

Potts:

Around -15.  Rory can hit his 3 iron 270 yards.  The course, like 99 percent of courses in th world, will be minced meat.

"These guys are good"

From Rory McIlroy's website:


Hey Rory, I was wondering how far you hit each of your clubs? Thanks
ALEX GRAVENO

Hi Alex, here goes!! SW-115 PW- 135 9-150 8-165 7-180 6-195 5-210 4-220 3-235 5 Wood - 250 3 Wood -280 Driver - 310 Obviously all under normal conditions! All the best, Rory.

[Ben Stephens]

The margins of error was quite big at Congo. It wasn't really scary like the movie 'Congo'! Merion the margin of error will be smaller and the punishment will be more severe. I reckon 7 or 8 under will win.

Cheers
Ben

[JR Potts]

Potts:

Around -15.  Rory can hit his 3 iron 270 yards.  The course, like 99 percent of courses in th world, will be minced meat.

"These guys are good"

From Rory McIlroy's website:


Hey Rory, I was wondering how far you hit each of your clubs? Thanks
ALEX GRAVENO

Hi Alex, here goes!! SW-115 PW- 135 9-150 8-165 7-180 6-195 5-210 4-220 3-235 5 Wood - 250 3 Wood -280 Driver - 310 Obviously all under normal conditions! All the best, Rory.

Hitting a three iron off the tee and hitting one into a par 4 are a whole bit different....especially as stated in the hypothetical course set up, the fairways are firm and fast.

[Jim Eder]

It would be interesting to know what lofts Rory has on his irons. It is interesting how 4 degrees of difference between clubs leads to 15 yds additional distance. It really adds up in the longer irons.

I would guess Ryan is longer than Rory.

Merion will be more about strategy than distance and hopefully the course will be firm and there will be a penalty for an errant tee shot. It will all depend on the set-up and the weather. I could see even par winning and I could see 10 under winning, it just depends on conditions, pin placements.

[JR Potts]

I am no longer that Rory...in fact, that iron spread is exactly mine.  I have the B-Series TP R-9s with stiff KBS shafts.

That said, maybe I'm the crazy one but my three iron goes a whole lot further when teeing off than when trying to hit it into a green.

All the above being equal, I can't wait to see the Open at Merion...in fact, I'm going to go.  Should be awesome.

[Jim Eder]

Ryan,

Interesting, I thought you might be 5-10 yds longer.

I don't think you are not crazy on the idea off the tee, I get the same thing. Why I am not sure, is it the lack of a target like a flag? Cleaner contact of a tee? Less of a need to hit it an exact distance like on a par 3 or an approach?

I agree, Merion is going to be awesome. I was thinking about going but it is so difficult to really see the action.  TV is so nice to see all the action........................... (and I am tall).

[DMoriarty]

#3.  About 220 yards normally, and with the option to go to 270 playing from No 6's back tee.
#9.  New tee takes this out to about 230ish.
#13.  130 yards, unless they move the 12th green. 
#17.  250 yards.

I would think anybody playing the one-shotters under par would be very satisfied.

The 3rd at 270?  The ninth at 230?  I thought they were playing Merion East?  Is it really Merion East if they have to do these things to the course?

I have no doubt that they can keep the scores down if they put their minds to it.   But perhaps a better question might be the over and under on the average time it will take to complete a round.