Swing Tips From the U.S. Open

Brian Crowell, analyst for NBC Sports and Head Pro at GlenArbor in Bedford, NY, made some cogent observations (as always) about the golf swings of two fascinating players during the Wrap Up Show following the second round of the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines.

He pointed out how Phil Mickelson adapts his swing to play a wedge out of the high rough--a place where he spent much of the first two rounds.

Brian also critiqued Rocco Mediate's unorthodox address position and talked about how it compares with what's considered ideal alignment at address.

I've seen Brian on the lesson tee at GlenArbor, and can guarantee that he knows whereof he speaks.

Dave Donelson, author of Heart of Diamonds a romantic thriller about blood diamonds in the Congo

Andrew Svoboda Fun at Torrey Pines

Andrew Svoboda of Larchmont, NY, gave me a prescient comment in an interview last year that previewed his winning attitude about playing in the U.S. Open this year at Torrey Pines. Andy slipped into the field as a last-minute replacement for Brett Wetterich, who withdrew because of a wrist injury.

I had interviewed him for an article about what it takes to succeed in the game, drawing on his experience as a four-time Winged Food club champion who now plays on the Hooters Tour. He qualified for the 2006 Open at his home course, but failed that year to make the cut.

During my interview with the 28-year-old Andy, he offered some wise words about playing good golf. “Learning the game at an early age helps," he said. "If someone takes up golf when they’re in their twenties or later, it’s hard to devote the time to it. Playing once a week makes it hard to get better.”

The solution? “You should just relax and have fun out there.”

Svoboda is having some fun at Torrey Pines. His opening round 77 was a little disappointing, but he roared back Friday with a 71, putting him into the weekend play tied with Masters Champion Trevor Immelman. How much fun is that?

Dave Donelson, author of Heart of Diamonds a romantic thriller about blood diamonds in the Congo

Brian Crowell Analysis Is U.S. Open Winner

Even if you watched every second of the day's play at Torrey Pines, you'll get a great second look with some good insightful commentary provided by my friend Brian Crowell on NBC's online U.S. Open Wrapup. It's only Brian's second year in the analyst's chair, but his commentary is as pointed and on-target as Johnny Miller's.

In analyzing Phil Mickelson's first round, for example, Brian expressed astonishment that the number two player in the world announced before the championship that he was aiming for an even-par opening round. Brian observed, "Having one of these guys come out here shooting for par really threw me." As he pointed out, even under U.S. Open conditions, a player like Mickelson should certainly at least try to go low.

Brian also pointed out that Lefty's strategy of carrying a strong three-wood instead of a driver so he could stay in the narrow fairways at Torrey Pines evidently didn't work very well; he only hit six of them. With 33 putts, his vaunted flat stick play didn't live up to its reputation either, Brain observed.

The NBC U.S. Open Wrapup goes live online around 10 PM Eastern following each day's round. Brian (whom I know from GlenArbor Golf Club in Bedford, NY), works with show host Bill Patrick and commentator Jennifer Mills.

Dave Donelson, author of Heart of Diamonds a romantic thriller about blood diamonds in the Congo