US Open descends on Los Angeles as golf world buzzes about PGA Tour-LIV Golf deal

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As the golf world descends on earthquake-prone California for the U.S. Open, the aftershocks from last week's bombshell temblor about the PGA Tour joining forces with Saudi Arabia's sporting arm continue. 

Nonetheless, by week's end, the best golfer here – whether loyal to the old guard or one who stepped out early for the Saudi Arabia pot of gold – will hold a much-prized 18-inch-tall sterling silver trophy.

The Los Angeles Country Club hosts the event for the first time and its north course flush against the mansions of Beverly Hills is largely unfamiliar to the field. Its look is also unfamiliar to fans who are accustomed to courses that regularly stage the national open with tight narrow holes and ankle high rough to challenge the world's best. Instead, LACC offers players a wild expanse up and over hills with fairways almost as wide as the views with a modicum of rough.   

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Viktor Hovland walks on the seventh hole during a practice round for the U.S. Open at the Los Angeles Country Club on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. (AP Photo/Matt York)

"It's just different," says Jeff Hall, managing director of rules and open championships for the U.S. Golf Association.

"Yes, the golf course is a little wider, but you'll see holes where that's not the case," Hall said. "So, there's great variety that way. There's great variety in the length of holes that's out there... it just has so many variables."

Players will have plenty of opportunities to bring the driver out of their bags this week in an effort to maximize distance off the tee rather than lay back with a more lofted club for a better