Dustin Johnson has had to put up with being called many things, many of them unrepeatable without the advice of a lawyer, but he will not mind his latest tag — major winner.

Strange place, this Oakmont Country Club. Perhaps the only place in our golf world where it is the goal of membership to inflict pain.

It was suggested to Ernie Els that the US Golf Association should make Oakmont Country Club its marquee US Open venue and provide the sort of reverence that the R&A extends to the Old Course in St Andrews.

Muirfield Village in Dublin, Ohio, is halfway to Chambers Bay, but when Jim Furyk spoke on June 7, he sounded as if he were a continent away. That’s because he told of family plans and a commitment to attend a wedding so he wouldn’t be getting a look at the US Open venue for another two weeks.

There is a word that will crop up frequently this week in relation to the 2015 US Open at Chambers Bay not normally associated with this major, and there is an Irish company to thank for that.

WHILE it is impossible to be bored by the playing of the Ryder Cup, it is possible to sleep through the lead-in days.

Golf’s governing bodies are today expected to announce a significant rules change regarding putters, specifically whether players will be allowed to anchor the club to their body during the stroke.

When the question was asked of Augusta National chairman Billy Payne, it wasn’t easy to stifle laugher.

FEARFUL of melting into the zoysia grass, what with temperatures in the mid-90s and a humidity beyond insufferable, walks are kept to a minimum in advance of the 93rd PGA Championship at the Atlanta Athletic Club.

FOR an organisation that often times is to creative thinking what Lady Gaga is to civility and good taste, the US Golf Association (USGA) sure gets wild and crazy when it visits Congressional CC.

THERE was a time not so long ago when Tiger Woods ruled the majors and picking a winner was easy. You didn’t have to get it right but few would argue with your selection.

SHANE LOWRY got his first look at a US Open course set-up at Congressional County Club yesterday having admitted he was taking a leap into the unknown.

LEE WESTWOOD has returned to the scene of his first US Open appearance confident he has the game and the mentality to finally land the major title that has so far remained tantalisingly elusive.

ALTHOUGH it remains unclear exactly when Tiger Woods will make his next competitive appearance, the world number will definitely play the US Open in June, having already submitted his entry for the event.

PÁDRAIG HARRINGTON will ensure golf’s current controversy over grooves is maintained for at least another news cycle after confirming he his considering putting a pre-1990 Ping Eye 2 wedge in play at this week’s Northern Trust Open.

Ireland's Padraig Harrington has missed the cut at the US Open.

Only Tiger Woods can have a pair of US Open titles to his credit and still have to defend his lack of success in the event.

IAN POULTER, first and second on his last two starts, was among those who suffered worst on the toughest day of the European tour season so far.