ARDMORE, PA — The first tee shot at Merion Golf Club is one of golf's most intimidating. Forget the narrow fairway with wispy rough and bunkers staring at players on the box, but it's also claustrophobic.
On the left side is the famous Merion clubhouse, with its green awning shading tables underneath for members and spectators who gather to watch golfers begin their rounds. Behind and on the right side is fans, lined up and squeezing their way in for a look at the competitors. It makes players feel cornered, surrounded and uncomfortable.
In Carter Loflin's case, he said he was shell shocked.
More: For U.S. Amateur final four, Saturday could change everything. Here's why
"I've played in front of people before but not like that," said Loflin, the University of Georgia gradate who's set to begin his pro career after this week's 126th U.S. Amateur. "Honestly, it took me a minute to get used the gallery and everything. I looked at Brandon (Knight) on the first tee and I was like, 'dude, I've never seen people four deep like this before.' So that was really cool, but it was a little bit nerve-racking trying to get into a rhythm."
#first
On the left side is the famous Merion clubhouse, with its green awning shading tables underneath for members and spectators who gather to watch golfers begin their rounds. Behind and on the right side is fans, lined up and squeezing their way in for a look at the competitors. It makes players feel cornered, surrounded and uncomfortable.
In Carter Loflin's case, he said he was shell shocked.
More: For U.S. Amateur final four, Saturday could change everything. Here's why
"I've played in front of people before but not like that," said Loflin, the University of Georgia gradate who's set to begin his pro career after this week's 126th U.S. Amateur. "Honestly, it took me a minute to get used the gallery and everything. I looked at Brandon (Knight) on the first tee and I was like, 'dude, I've never seen people four deep like this before.' So that was really cool, but it was a little bit nerve-racking trying to get into a rhythm."
#first
8 days ago
