U.S. Open Notebook: Aaron Baddeley's got a new nickname from ESPN

Brandon Tucker,
Senior Writer

OAKMONT, Pa. - Think the driving range is all about practice? Everyone out there has an agenda.

ESPN's Chris Berman was on the range testing out a new nickname for Aaron Baddeley, the leader after three rounds.

"Aaron ‘Baddeley to the bone'? Anyone? what do you think?"

Woods and Baddeley were the day's final pairing, and Baddeley entered the driving range this morning about five minutes before him. Baddeley went to the far right of the range and when Woods arrived, went to the far left.

Englishmen Paul Casey and Justin Rose were on the range side-by-side.

Nick Dougherty leaving Oakmont wiser

After shooting a final round 71, Nick Dougherty is leaving with a positive attitude after realizing two dreams:

"I lead the U.S. Open and got to play with Tiger Woods. He's the best player who ever lived, it was a huge thrill."

On how playing with Woods can exhaust you:

"I was exhausted. I've never felt that drained after a round before."

Dougherty also had one thing on his mind coming down the back nine.

"I've never played in the Masters. Top 8 qualifies for next year."

The names ahead of him fell enough for him to finish tied for 8th.

Kim leaves a parting shot at Oakmont

Anthony Kim had the morning's best round: a 67, second only to Paul Casey's 66 for the week. But don't think he's ready to keep playing Oakmont.

"I feel like I just got out of the ring with Mike Tyson," said Kim after finishing 14-over for the Open. "I feel beat up. I'm ready to go home and relax and put the clubs up for awhile."

Some shorties to balance the course out

Oakmont had three drivable par-4s today in the final round: No.'s 2, 14 and 17. Graeme McDowell says it was a good decision.

"I was very pleased," he said. "it was a great set up today. It balances the disasters with those short par-4s."

June 17, 2007

Brandon Tucker is a Senior Writer and Special Projects Editor for the TravelGolf Network, where he contributes not only golf and travel articles, but photo essays, videos and more. His golf travels have taken him across the U.S., including more than 50 Myrtle Beach-area golf courses, and to such destinations as Scotland, Wales, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Poland, Germany and Malaysia.