Day 4 of the U.S. Open: Shinnecock Bites Back: Sisk Struggles to 82

Tough winds, controversial setup lead to record high scores

 June 20^th by Dominic Dastoli
 

            Southampton, NY-On one of the most difficult final rounds in recent U.S. Open history, Cleveland Golf Tour star Geoff Sisk shot a closing score of 12-over par to finish in a tie for 48^th place. Sisk began the day at 5-over par 215 following impressive rounds of 72, 72, and 71 but high winds and dried out greens made it practically impossible for him to improve upon his previous best finish in the U.S. Open, a 30^th place showing in 1999 at Pinehurst.

            Sisk’s day did start on a bright note with a birdie on the opening hole. It was a struggle from then on, though, as he recorded two bogies and three doubles on the front side to turn in 6-over 41. Much of his frustration can be traced to his performance on holes 6-12 as he played those seven holes in 8-over par. He was not the only player to struggle on that stretch, though, as six of those eight holes were ranked as the most difficult during the final round.

            Sisk was not the only player to be punished by the wrath of Shinnecock Hills. The final day scoring average of 78.7 was the second highest since WWII, behind only the final round of the 1972 open at Pebble Beach. Today’s casualties included Ernie Els and Sergio Garcia, both of whom were in contention and closed with matching 80’s.

            All in all, Sisk has to be pleased with his performance for the week. He teed it up with 156 of the best players in the world and fared better than most of them. After what could arguably be one of the most memorable weeks of his life, Sisk will not even get a moment to reflect on all he accomplished. He now heads to Pleasant Valley Country Club for his 8:40 am Monday tee time in the first round of the Mass. Open. He will be looking for his fourth commonwealth open, having collected titles in 1995, 97, and 2002.