U.S. Open Returns To Its Gnarly Roots At Winged Foot

MAMARONECK, NEW YORK | Bring together all of the elements that make the U.S. Open what it is intended to be – the most demanding and intimidating test in tournament golf – and you have Winged Foot.

Its immense stone clubhouse, which evokes images of Batman’s stately Wayne Manor, looms over the property like a shadow.

Located in one of the richest suburbs of New York City, Winged Foot exudes privilege.

And the West Course, one of two A.W. Tillinghast classics on the same piece of land, is golf’s version of being followed by a stranger late at night down a dark street.

Want to sum up the U.S. Open in one sweeping image?

It’s Winged Foot.

In a disorienting and disjointed year, it’s almost reassuring for the U.S. Open to be back at Winged Foot.

Tiger Woods (left) compared Winged Foot to Oakmont and Carnoustie, and Justin Thomas called it "a different kind of fun." Photo: Jamie Squire, Getty Images

“I think it's right up there next to Oakmont a...