This coming week is the US Open at Merion East, and already the talking heads are making fools of themselves. "The course is too short", "todays pros will tear it apart" etc. etc.
Today's pros have never seen a course like Merion East when it's been set up for the Open. I was a volunteer in 81 when it was last played there. I have played Merion East, and West.
In open condition, it can be a humbling experience. It normally plays at about 6800 yds, for the Open they stretch that to 7300.
Merion also has a "no Mulligen rule" even if the ball roles off the tee surface 10 ft, no mulligen, you play it.
The last 4 holes were built in what was an old limestone quarry, I've seen usually stoic pros such as Arnold Palmer whine like kids over those holes.
The greens are tiny, the Fairways tight, and if that isn't enough, there is 8-10 in Spaghetti rough everywhere.
If you want to see one of the greatest tests in Golf, The US Open at Merion can't be missed.