JIM FURYK IS READY FOR U.S. OPEN AT CONGRESSIONAL

By mustang6560 on 6/13/11

The second major of the 2011 season is finally here - the 111th edition of the U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland.

SkyCaddie's own Jim Furyk will be competing against the best in the world outside of Washington D.C. in hopes of winning his second major title. Ahead of this year's tournament, Jim agreed to a little Q&A with me. I asked him several questions - some golf-related, some not - and here's what he had to say.

Coming off a career year in 2010 that was highlighted by three PGA Tour titles and the coveted FedEx Cup trophy, Jim was hoping to pick up this year where he left off. So far this season, Jim's missed four cuts and his best finish is T9 at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions and the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Jim admitted he did not get off to the start in 2011 that he wanted, but he said there is plenty more golf to play.

[It] has been a disappointing year to this point. But, we are only in June and [we have] three majors left.

The U.S. Open returns to Congressional Country Club for the third time in history (1964 - Ken Venturi, 1997 - Ernie Els). The U.S. Open is golf's toughest test and this year is no exception - Congressional Country Club will play a staggering 7,574 yards par 71! Despite being the longest U.S. Open in history, Jim doesn't think the extra length will cause much trouble.

Length will not be a factor at Congressional. Pros hit it so far today courses are not long, especially if conditions are firm and fast. Even par is always a good score at the open.

Jim is no stranger to the added pressure of a major tournament. Even though he hasn't played as well as he would have liked so far this year, he has 16 career wins on the PGA Tour on his resume including the U.S. Open at Olympia Fields Country Club back in 2003. The former major winner said he spent the last two weeks at home preparing for the U.S. Open like he does every year.

[I will be] at home preparing like I have in the past. I will play seven of the next nine events [in the coming weeks] and be home only five days [during that period of time].

Over the years, Jim has made a name for himself on Tour as one of the good guys. With his homegrown swing and calm demeanor, Jim is one of the fan favorites. He may never be an active Tweeter like Ian Poulter, but he was willing to answer one of my silly question, "If you had an "at-bat" song (like baseball players) that played before you teed off on the first hole of every round, what would it be". His answer, "'Step in the Arena'" by Gang Star".

Good luck this week, Jim! Everyone at SkyCaddie will be rooting for you as you look to capture your second major title.

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