What is Pebble Beach like?

Going into the US Open, what characteristics of a golfer's game are most important at Pebble Beach?

• What set of skills are most important for a golfer to have at Pebble Beach. Obviously, being a US Open, all skills of their game will be tested but I want to know what are the key aspects of a golfer's game that are most important. Driving distance, driving accuracy, greens in regulation, scrambling, sand play, putts per round etc?

• Answer:

  Tough question to answer because a US Open set up on any course is going to test a player more than the normal set up at the same course because the USGA wants a stern test of golf for the Open....not the best field. Typically though @ Pebble you have to drive it straight and especially @ an Open as they usually grow out the rough longer so the bomb & gouge method is much harder to play. You also have to be able to lag putt well as Pebble has some seriously tough greens anyway with lots of undulations & breaks, but they'll make them lightning quick for the Open! You also have to be able to work the ball both ways...#1 for the pin locations and to combat the wind they'll certainly see. I think we'll have a newbie break through to win the Open this year....no Tiger or Phil I don't think.