Tuesday, 9:15 a.m.: Just left the press conference of Rory McIlroy. The 19-year old Titleist Brand Ambassador is playing in his third career major and his first U.S. Open. He noted how he watched the event the last time it was contested at Bethpage in 2002 as a 12-year old in Ireland and is looking forward to having the opportunity to play it. Yesterday, he played 13 holes with Adam Scott, Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke before being called off the course due to lightning in the area. He said he is driving the ball extremely well which is important given the conditions. When asked about the 525-yard par 4, 7th hole (the longest par 4 in U.S. Open history by 10 yards), Rory said he had the longest tee ball in the foursome yesterday and was still left with 230 yards to the green. Four 4’s on that hole this week would be a bonus.
Rory McIlroy at this morning’s press conference.
June 16th, 2009
Working with his instructor Butch Harmon, Nick Watney made wholesale changes to his set composition at the start of the season, transitioning into the 909 family of metals and AP2 irons. The switch paid off, as he has made over $2.5 million in official earnings and is currently 9th in the 2009 FedEx Cup standings. Nick has already captured the Buick Invitational, finished 2nd at the WGC-CA Championship and T4 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational this season. He has made the cut in 11 of 13 events, including 10 Top 25 finishes. Don’t be surprised to see him contend this week as he is one of the longest hitters on Tour, ranking 5th in Driving Distance with a 302.7 average off the tee.
Titleist Brand Ambassador Nick Watney stops to sign autographs
on his way to the locker room on Monday.
June 16th, 2009
Titleist is represented at the 2009 United States Open Championship by the following 19 full-line ambassadors from the worldwide professional tours. Click on each player’s photo below to see what Titleist equipment they’re carrying in their bags.
June 16th, 2009
