John McHenry: Chambers Bay took players out of their comfort zone

Chambers Bay, as a venue, was always going to be controversial because the USGA had once again changed the script. They wanted the golf course more links-like, with wider fairways than the norm.

The fact that the US Open venue was somewhat “tricked up’ by changing pars and distances, and by the speed of the dried-out crusty putting surfaces, all lent to the sense of havoc wreaked on the touch of the world’s best players who thrive on consistency.

The reality — which seemed to be lost on many of the players and many esteemed commentators last week — was that there was a major championship, the US Open, to win and regardless of public opinion, the USGA was not for turning.