2023 US Open: Inside the ropes Saturday direct from Los Angeles Country Club

It’s moving day at the 2023 US Open at the Los Angeles Country Club. Rickie Fowler is playing some great golf, but he has some serious contenders right behind him. The course is beautiful, unique and challenging and we are lucky enought to talk to professional caddie and TV spotter Shawn McMahon for some insight on and off the course in LA this week.

Have you seen any holes that are unfair? Meaning a good shot is penalized

Hole no. 3 is a short par 4 where just about every ball ends up in the same place so there are a lot of divots in that area. Today Max Homa found one of them and hit it to about 3′ and made birdie so maybe it’s not that much of a problem. But that’s about all he did today. No. 5 fairway also sends the ball to the right and into the rough and I’ve seen some terrible lies over there where players just have to punch out and hope. But they can run it up the left side towards the green and let it roll on.

Are you sticking to your 13-under prediction?

I still like my -13 prediction but wouldn’t be surprised if it’s even higher. The afternoon tee times really struggled today and it’s not going to get any easier. Today the sun was out and they’re gonna let this place get baked as much as they can, tip it out, and put the pins in some really tough places. I think they’ve seen enough aces on 15 and will put the pin on the green where it’s about 5′ from front to back. If they do this players won’t even aim for the green. They’ll try to put it short right and pitch it on.

After two days, what kind of player does this course benefit? Long hitter, short game specialist, etc....

I think this course sets up for someone who is patient and embraces the challenge. A good short game is always good but this week it is a must. Today I was with Scheffler’s group and he made some amazing up and downs for par to salvage his round. He could’ve easily ended up 5-over par, but instead he finished -2 on the day. He sprayed his driver all over but I was told he was the last one on the range and found a new driver he is putting in the bag tomorrow. He also has veteran caddie Ted Scott on the bag who should be a huge help.

Who do you think will win after what you’ve seen?

I’m jumping off the John Rahm bandwagon and have my money on Rory now. I’d love to see Rickie hold on and finish this thing after all of his recent struggles but feel like he’s going to have a big number on a couple holes and lose it.