The Loop

Competitors are sharing tips

Even at the U.S. Open, players are helping each other with their games.

“I had a real good lesson from Thomas Björn yesterday on the chipping green,” said Graeme McDowell, who followed a 73 on Thursday with a 72. “I want to see him again this evening to see if he can help because I find it very difficult to get the ball up-and-down from this rough.”

The same teacher-student relationship has existed with Tiger Woods and Bubba Watson. The two have been companions in early-morning practice rounds. “This week I asked him what does he write in his yardage book,” said Watson. “I just ask him a bunch of questions like a little dog chasing a bulldog. I’m just napping at his feet to see how he works and how he ticks. He’s let me do that, I guess, and I’ve been lucky so far.”

In both cases the students are beating the teachers. Watson is in second place after two rounds; Woods is four shots back and tied for 13th. McDowell is tied for 13th as well, but Björn missed the cut.

To see Bubba Watson’s powerful swing and get David Leadbetter’s analysis click here. It is so powerful, Watson even thought about trying to drive the 358-yard 14th today, before his caddie persuaded him not to.

— Jeff Patterson