Former U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell has heard some reports about Chambers Bay, everything from the massive drop in elevation on a par 3 to a fairway wider than a football field.
He is reserving judgment until his first practice round at the Washington golf course for the U.S. Open, but don't expect much from a guy who often has a lot to say.
Chalk that up to recent experience.
"We're all guilty of getting caught up in the negativity sometimes," McDowell said. "I made a promise to myself after Valhalla that I wasn't ever going to get caught up with that again. Someone is going to pick up the trophy and laugh at your comments. You have nothing to gain."
By golfing standards, McDowell's comments at the PGA Championship last August would qualify more as sharing a popular opinion than complaining. He referred to Valhalla as unplayable during a deluge early in the third round, and that if the PGA of America is opposed to preferred lies the third round should have been stopped long ago.
He wasn't a lone voice, although he has thought about the effect.
"Within your own camp, say what you want, but there's no point in making comments public," McDowell said. "Come Thursday morning, you better be ready to ignore the negativity and position your golf ball."
Ian Poulter caused a stir last month when he said based on what he has heard from others, it would be a farce. Poulter hasn't seen Chambers Bay. He was drawing conclusions based on what others were saying.
McDowell wants no part of that.
"It's hard to talk about an unknown," McDowell said. "The feedback is negative, but all you can do is go in there with your eyes open and take it for what it is and try to be as well prepared as you can."
Hot air
A "Free Tom Brady" rally at Gillette Stadium on Sunday drew about 150 fans, according to Foxborough, Mass., police. The event organizer originally said 600 people were committed to attend.
Wrote Reggie Hayes of The News-Sentinel of Fort Wayne, Ind.: "So I guess the early estimate was a little inflated."
Stupid fans?
Philadelphia General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. has questioned the baseball knowledge of Phillies fans.
"They don't understand the game," Amaro said. "They don't understand the process. There's a process, and then they b**** and complain because we don't have a plan. There's a plan in place, and we're sticking with the plan.
"We can't do what's best for the fan. We have to do what's best for the organization so the fan can reap the benefit of it later on. That's the truth."
It's well known that Philadelphia is an emotional sports town that doesn't need much to get upset, but it's also a city filled with passionate and informed supporters.
Amaro's comments certainly won't sit well with those who have watched their team go from being a perennial contender to having one of the worst records in the league in less than five years.
Sports quiz
Who were the top three finishers in the 2014 U.S. Open played at Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst, N.C?
Sports answer
Martin Kaymer won the tournament with a 271. Erik Compton and Rickie Fowler tied for second at 279.
TIM COOPER
Sports on 05/27/2015