The 2014 US Open at Pinehurst No. 2 is a very special one in the golf community. There are several different storylines coming into the tournament, but the biggest storyline isn’t about this weekend in particular. This one took place at the same course 15 years ago, Father’s Day weekend.

This year’s US Open marks the 15th Anniversary of Payne Stewart’s 1999 US Open. Payne was able to hold off Phil Mickelson by one stroke on the final day to capture his last PGA Tour win of his lifetime. Tragically, later that year Payne was in a plane crash that left no survivors. The tournament this weekend definitely will remember him and all he did for the Tour in his lifetime.

In tribute of Payne, Rickie Fowler went as far as to honor him with his wardrobe. Fowler played the first round on Thursday in a pair of knickers, Payne’s signature outfit.

Phil Mickelson, who lost the 1999 US Open to Payne, is still looking to complete that career grand slam. The US Open has been on Mickelson’s door step several times in his career. Lefty has finished runner-up at this tournament 6 times in his career to date. Sitting at +3  going into the weekend, Phil has made the cut, which was +4. Unfortunately, he is sitting 13 shots behind the current leader so he has a battle ahead of him to complete that grand slam. That current leader is Martin Kaymer who is at -10 in the clubhouse. The German paired together two rounds of 65, to set a US Open record. In the past two days, he was able to fill his scorecard with 11 birdies and only 1 bogey. It has been an impressive performance with few mistakes. If he can continue this throughout the weekend, this will be a story for the kids.

While golf is on your mind, maybe it is time to start planning your upcoming golf event! Give an US Hole In One tournament consultant a call at 888-882-5440 or email us at info@usholeinone.com! We look forward to hearing from you!

By: Sarah Halcovage