Merion is 6,996 yards on the scorecard, making it the first major championship under 7,000 yards since Shinnecock Hills (also 6,996 yards) for the 2004 U.S. Open. But the yardage can be deceiving.
Merion Golf Club opened the gates Sunday to fans who wanted to buy U.S. Open merchandise. Some of them got a free glimpse of Tiger Woods.
Stop by the rock near the 11th hole tee box at Merion Golf Club and read up on a slice of sports history.
Selected quotes on the Royal & Ancient and U.S. Golf Association approving Rule 14-1b, which bans in 2016 the anchored stroke commonly used with long putters:
The new rule does not ban the long putters, only the way they commonly are used. Golfers no longer will be able to anchor the club against their bodies to create the effect of a hinge.
Golf's two governing bodies outlawed the anchored putting stroke used by four of the last six major champions, approving a new rule that starts in 2016 and urging the PGA Tour to follow along so the 600-year-old sport is still played under one set of rules.
Webb Simpson already played for an amateur championship at Merion.
For the first time since before Chambers Bay hosted the U.S. Amateur in 2010, Matt Allen isn't explaining to golfers why a temporary green is being used or why a path is blocked off for construction equipment.
Pinehurst is getting ready to make history next year with the first double-dip of U.S. opens.
