Marc Leishman has urged the USGA to take a leaf out of the PGA Tour's book to avoid ruining future US Opens, with a five-star list of upcoming venues including the iconic Pebble Beach.
The Australian world No.14 hit out at US Open organiser the USGA after a disastrous four days at Shinnecock Hills during which chief executive Mike Davis apologised for "going too far" with the severity of the course set-up.
With horrific pin placements and lightning-quick greens on a windy Long Island, big names who missed the 36-hole cut included top-10 players Jordan Spieth Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy and Australia's Jason Day, as well as three-time US Open winner Tiger Woods.
Aaron Baddeley finished as leading Australian on Sunday, posting a one-under 69 to earn a 12-over total, but finished 11 shots back of winner Brooks Koepka.
Koepka posted a gritty 68 and at one over he secured a one-shot win over Tommy Fleetwood (63).
Baddeley's share of 25th at Shinnecock earned a first top-25 result at the majors since the 2014 US Open.
"I hit the ball beautifully this week but I just couldn't get any putts to go in; I'm disappointed that I didn't have a great week on the greens because I really gave myself a chance to contend," Baddeley said.
Compatriot Leishman dropped four shots during a 74 that sank him to 15-over, tied for 45th.
The three-time US Tour winner lamented the disorganisation of the USGA.
"You expect some bad stuff from the USGA usually but but they got it very wrong (in the third round) and then today it was soft with pins in the middle of greens," Leishman said.
"It was disappointing to play good for the first two rounds, go out late (on day three) and get our butts kicked."
With the US Open heading to California's famed Pebble Beach next year before being held at New York's Winged Foot and then Torrey Pines, Leishman says the US Tour - which does not run any of the four majors - needs to be involved.
"I have no expectations for anything to change; Pebble Beach I would expect to be exactly the same as (Shinnecock Hills)," Leishman said.
"(The USGA) need to get people who know what they're doing and set up the golf course right.
"Get guys from the PGA Tour to help them; I'm sure they'd be willing.
"They do it every week; you see (officials) putting balls late after play each day when the greens are quick to the following day's pin (placement)."
After Saturday's third round, Davis admitted the USGA dropped the ball after facing staunch criticism from players.
Share
