Texas Children's Houston Open

Memorial Park Golf Course



The Loop

Long Shots at Torrey Pines

LA JOLLA, Calif. -- The longest course in the history of the U.S. Open is not so long that its longest hole is necessarily a three-shotter. Dustin Johnson reached the 614-yard 13th on the South Course at Torrey Pines with a driver and 3-wood in practice Monday.

Tiger Woods presumably could have reached it, but he didn't take the opportunity Monday because he played only the front nine. He reportedly played nine holes Sunday and intends to play nine more Tuesday.

There won't be many players in the U.S. Open field that can even have a go at the 13th in two shots. Not more than a few, according to San Diego native Pat Perez, who as a former employee of the course knows it better than anyone in the field.

Johnson ranks third in driving distance on the PGA Tour (307.1 yards), but even he has to lean on two shots to get to the 13th green.

"I got it there today, but obviously you have to hit two really good shots," he said. "It played downwind today. If its downwind you've got a chance."

The course measures 7,643 yards, the longest in the history of the championship by 379 yards.

"You have to hit driver and you have to hit it straight," Johnson said.

-- John Strege