Hatton, Ortiz and Hovland Had a Shot at the US Open. Then Oakmont Happened
OAKMONT, Pa. — Tyrrell Hatton found himself in uncharted territory on a late Sunday at the U.S. Open, only to be bested by the notorious Oakmont course. Standing on the 17th tee, his shot drifted right—an acceptable miss in most scenarios, but not here. Clustered on the hill overlooking the 314-yard par 4, Hatton's ball nestled securely into unforgiving rough, defying his hopes of a simple sand save.
In any other setting, that shot might have tumbled into the bunker, offering a glimmer of redemption. But this isn’t any other course. It’s Oakmont. His attempted pitch from an awkward stance failed, and a flustered Hatton ended with a bogey. The ensuing double-bogey on the 18th added insult to injury, leaving him tied for fourth at 3-over 283, four strokes behind winner J.J. Spaun.
“What happened on 17 is going to hurt a lot for a long time,” reflected Hatton, having come so close only to be thwarted by elements beyond his control. His vexation echoed sentiments he’d voiced earlier; the immaculate course, though unmatched in challenge, bordered on punishing, with its dense rough guarding numerous bunkers.
Hatton was not alone. Carlos Ortiz, another contender, succumbed to a similar fate. Starting as one of five joint leaders on the back nine, his drive at the 503-yard 15th sailed left. A layup followed, but his approach was found wanting, leading to a bogey-filled 73 finish.
“It was a great week, but obviously I’m disappointed right now the way it happened,” Ortiz remarked. Regardless, his top 10 finish marked a significant achievement for Mexican golf, unparalleled since 1972.
Viktor Hovland, closely trailing the leaders, struggled to break free from the pack. Ongoing leaderboard fluctuations added to the confusion amidst ominous weather warnings. Ultimately, Spaun capitalized where others stumbled, sealing his win with an iconic 64-foot birdie putt on the 18th.
Despite falling short, Hovland remained optimistic. He had once reached the heights, finishing strongly at the 2023 Masters and PGA. Oakmont, unyielding as ever, necessitates focusing on the triumphs over missed opportunities.
“I’ve been tearing myself down a little too much,” Hovland admitted, recognizing the need for balance. The commitment to growth continues, fueled by glimpses of his former form.
An unforgettable US Open at Oakmont concluded with a decisive victor, still leaving hope for the determined challengers to someday conquer these notorious greens.
