Matt Fitzpatrick has hit out at former Masters winner Zach Johnson for his comments about the condition of the US Open host venue, Shinnecock Hills.
The course, which last hosted the major in 2018, sparked fierce criticism over the condition of the holes, with Johnson infamously saying: "They've lost the golf course."
There were farcical scenes with balls rolling off the incredibly quick greens, which saw Phil Mickelson even opting to incur a two-stroke penalty by hitting his ball while it was still moving.
Organisers have made some adjustments during that time, with Fitzpatrick explaining he did not understand the fuss from 2018.
He said: "There was a big meltdown here last time [people saying]: 'They've lost the golf course', but I don't think they lost the golf course at all.
"It was difficult, but aside from 10 and 11, if you miss the greens in the right spots and do your homework, you have an opportunity to get up and down still.
"Today the greens are really soft, much softer than I thought. I know there was rain last night, I think, and it is humid, so there's probably a bit more moisture in the greens.
"If I compare it to 2018, I remember it was actually quite firm in the practice rounds, so it might not be the case this time.
Matt Fitzpatrick criticised Zach Johnson's take in 2018
| REUTERSLATEST SPORTS NEWS
"For me personally, I want it to get as dry and firm as possible, as US Opens do, and just see where that takes us."
The 11th hole has been a topic of conversation among players during their practice rounds.
One player reportedly described the green as "unplayable" depending on the wind.
Fitzpatrick offered a simple solution to some concerns, saying: "The wind is pumping in from the left and I've chipped a five-iron in there - if there is no wind, you might be hitting a nine-iron."
Shinnecock Hills was heavily criticised in 2018
|REUTERS
The Englishman won his first and only major at the US Open in 2021, with his bunker shot on 18 regularly talked about in the build-up to the tournament.
Ahead of the competition, Rory McIlroy has admitted he feels "limited" with his game, despite insisting there are encouraging signs ahead of the year's third major championship.
The reigning Masters champion offered a remarkably candid assessment of his form following the Memorial Tournament, where he finished tied for 12th after a final-round 68.
After being asked to explain the technical issues affecting his driving, McIlroy launched into a detailed breakdown of what has been going wrong off the tee.
Rory McIlroy has admitted he feels "limited" with his game as the countdown to the US Open gathers pace
| GETTYHe said: "I get a little bit underneath the plane on the way down, and then from there I try to drag the handle to match it up, and then I get toe strikes.
"If I'm aiming a touch left trying to hit a cut and I get a touch underneath it and then I try to save it by dragging the handle, I hit it off the toe, and then it goes left."
Noticing the puzzled expression of one journalist, McIlroy then interrupted himself.
"You look very confused," he said. When the reporter responded: "I'm limited," McIlroy delivered a telling reply.
"I feel limited at the minute, too," he said.
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