US Open: Patience Is Key

GM's Nick Bonfield discusses the role of patience and mental strength at the US Open

US Open: Patience Is Key
US Open day one
(Image credit: Getty Images)

GM's Nick Bonfield discusses the role of patience and mental strength at the US Open

US Open: Patience Is Key

The US Open is undoubtedly the most exacting four days in the global golfing calendar.

Every year, the world's best players face an all-encompassing test of golfing skill and aptitude, with every department of their games put under the utmost scrutiny.

The tangible aspects of golf - ones that can be measured by statistical comparison - are integral to success in any tournament, but this week, other factors will also play a significant role.

The US Open is about golf, yes. But it's also about factors that can't be quantified - namely patience and mental strength.

The weather is going play a pivotal role this week. Whether Shinnecock Hills plays firm and fast, or soft and long are remained to be seen.

Shinnecock Hills was incredibly dry in 2004, where Retief Goosen emerged as the winner (Getty Images)

No-one likes a stop-start golf tournament, not least the players.

It's at times like this that frustration can spill over and manifest itself on the golf course.

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It's hard to stay patient on the course when that very same trait has been tested during lengthy periods of waiting.

Patience and control of emotions will be more important this week than most others.

The golf course will offer up birdies, sure.

But usually, US Opens are about keeping the doubles off the card and taking your chances when they are presented.

Related: Shinnecock Hills Hole by Hole Guide

The players that accept this as fact, stay patient and don't go chasing after pins to recoup bogies will undoubtedly enjoy more success.

The eventual winner will, of course, be someone who's demonstrated a complete golfing skill set.

Related: Is the US Open too difficult?

But it'll also be someone who displays a sound temperament, an unflappable demeanour and a healthy dose of mental resilience.

Who is your money on? Let us know on our social media channels by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Nick Bonfield
Features Editor

Nick Bonfield joined Golf Monthly in 2012 after graduating from Exeter University and earning an NCTJ-accredited journalism diploma from News Associates in Wimbledon. He is responsible for managing production of the magazine, sub-editing, writing, commissioning and coordinating all features across print and online. Most of his online work is opinion-based and typically centres around the Majors and significant events in the global golfing calendar. Nick has been an avid golf fan since the age of ten and became obsessed with the professional game after watching Mike Weir and Shaun Micheel win The Masters and PGA Championship respectively in 2003. In his time with Golf Monthly, he's interviewed the likes of Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Jose Maria Olazabal, Henrik Stenson, Padraig Harrington, Lee Westwood and Billy Horschel and has ghost-written columns for Westwood, Wayne Riley, Matthew Southgate, Chris Wood and Eddie Pepperell. Nick is a 12-handicap golfer and his favourite courses include Old Head, Sunningdale New, Penha Longha, Valderrama and Bearwood Lakes. If you have a feature pitch for Nick, please email nick.bonfield@futurenet.com with 'Pitch' in the subject line. Nick is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade M1 Fairway wood: TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 Hybrid: Ping Crossover Irons (4-9): Nike Vapor Speed Wedges: Cleveland CBX Full Face, 56˚, Titleist Vokey SM4, 60˚ Putter: testing in progress! Ball: TaylorMade TP5x