I went to the first round of the US Open today. The course has been completely changed from the last time I was there in 2005. No rough, all scrub and hard pan sand and really wide fairways. I'm sure it looks a lot like it did when my dad used to play there in the 30's and 40's. Most of that sand and dust was suspended in great clouds over the course. It actually looked like a fog bank on some of the holes. It is so dry that sand kicks up as you walk. I had to take a shower the second I got home I was so caked in dirt. If they don't get some rain it could get ugly. I wonder if anyone has commented about it in the media. Anyone with a respiratory problem would have had a rough day.
The greens haven't changed a bit, they are still as difficult as always. TV and the the virtual course we play can't really show how contoured the greens really are. Imaging trying to hit a ball to an area the size of the typical dining room from 150-200 yards out. That's about how big a realistic landing area you have on most of the holes.
Overall I got to watch some great golf today. It's going to be a great tournament. Please let it rain though.