Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1112638
158 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 9 A U.S. Open at Pebble Beach has a habit of defining its era. Jack Nicklaus' win in 1972 was the centerpiece of his two decades of dominance. Tom Watson's victory in '82 cemented his standing as the game's best play- er and preeminent Bear-slayer. Gritty grinder Tom Kite prevailed in '92, emblematic of a post-superstar epoch of parity. Tiger Woods' win in 2000 was the beginning of the most dominant stretch of golf in history, which ended on a messy night in November 2009. Graeme McDowell's surprise victory seven months later at Pebble Beach was indicative of how wide- open the golf world had suddenly become with Woods felled by scandal. As Pebble Beach turns 100, the possibilities are legion for another defin- ing storyline. Woods has reinvented himself yet again and will be chasing the leg of the Grand Slam; was his recent Masters win one last hurrah or can he become a consistent contender? Phil Mickelson, destiny's orphan, will continue his Sisyphean quest to win the one tournament that has always eluded him; at 49, this will be Phil the Thrill's last best chance, com- ing just a few months after having won his fifth Crosby Clambake at Pebble Beach. In preparation for this U.S. Open, four of Pebble's greens have been rebuilt to improve playability and create more square footage. The expansion of the 13th green (above) has created a devilish new pin position in the back-right corner. Photo: Joann Dost