Pre-Majors Site Practice: Should It Be Controlled?

[Yoda]

It has been well documented that Phil Mickelson prepared for this year's U.S. Open by practicing extensively at Winged Foot in the weeks prior to the tournament. During his sessions -- nine days spread over three visits -- he was usually unaccompanied by a member and left to practice as he pleased. His typical eight-hour days were far longer than the time permitted by the standard practice rounds that are the norm for a PGA TOUR or USGA event. And the bulk of his time was spent on and around the greens, hitting shot after shot into each green to learn its individual nuances.

So?

So that was an advantage not enjoyed by the rest of the field.

First of all, Phil's name recognition permitted him host club access that would not have been granted most other players -- exempt or not.

Second, even if club access was not a problem, the non-exempt players -- more than half the field -- did not know they were 'in' until the week before the tournament. And even among the exempt players, few could afford to jet in and out at will, particularly with a caddy and an entourage of swing coaches in tow.

Third, PGA TOUR practice round rules -- and presumably the USGA has rules similar -- permit only one shot onto each green, whether from the fairway or greenside bunkers. If you miss the green, you are allowed one additional shot into the green. You can putt and chip (assuming no course damage) without limit. However, under no circumstance can you delay a player in the following group. That constraint alone severely limits practice time around the greens during tournament week because the field packs the course. Phil's practice obviously went far beyond these bounds.

Does this pre-tournament 'private practice' afford a few privileged players a competitive advantage over the field? Should the USGA put limits on such activity prior to its championships? Vote now, then post your comments below.