WET & WILD: A course worker clears water from the course at Merion Golf Club earlier this week. It could be a prelude to what will be needed today. (AP)
ARDMORE, Pa. — An imposter is poised to steal the U.S. Open’s thunder.
The star of this week figured to be either Merion, the venerable golf course that has played host to more USGA tournaments than any other, Tiger Woods in his chase for a 15th career major, Phil Mickelson in his pursuit of the major he covets most, Rory McIlroy in his effort to reassert his dominance or even Masters winner Adam Scott trying to win the second leg of a potential grand slam.
Now it appears something named a derecho might dominate the headlines — at least for today’s opening round.
The U.S. Open’s long-awaited return to the magical links of Merion is in serious jeopardy of being sabotaged by
Mother Nature.
It’s been 32 years since the tournament was played at Merion, and the focus of the golf world was set to be on the tricky golf course where Ben Hogan sealed his legend with that historic 1-iron to the 72nd green en route to a playoff win in 1950 and the star power in the field.
Now with severe and potentially dangerous weather forecast for today in the Philadelphia area, that focus might be more on survival than on golf.
The National Weather Service yesterday was tracking a derecho — defined as a widespread, straight-line windstorm that is associated with a fast-moving band of severe thunderstorms — across much of the Midwest. The system is expected to hit the Philadelphia area during the afternoon portion of today’s opening round. The glamor pairing of Woods, McIlroy and Scott is scheduled to tee off at 1:14 p.m.
The storm can create winds of at least 75 mph and in some cases spawn tornados and hail.
A derecho struck in the Washington, D.C., area at last year’s AT&T National at Congressional Country Club, where there were trees knocked down and widespread power outages causing the course to be closed to spectators for the third round.
A flood watch is also in affect for the area today, with 1 to 3 inches of rain expected. That could be debilitating to Merion’s East Course, which has already taken in some
6 1/2 inches from recent storms.
The weather forecast for tomorrow through Sunday is calling for little to no rain.
“Our meteorologist is looking at models right now, but it depends on what hits us or how lucky or unlucky we are,’’ USGA executive director Mike Davis said. “There could be some really high winds with us, potentially damaging winds, even some hail. That’s kind of the worst-case scenario.
“But [the meteorologist] is fairly certain that we are going to have some type of weather [today], but it’s going to be probably mid‑afternoon or later, so I think [in the] morning we’re looking OK.’’
Asked if the USGA has discussed “doomsday scenarios’’ in the event of damaging weather, Davis said, “A lot of times you just have to see what you’re dealing with in terms of: How much play do you have left? Is it dangerous to spectators? Can we get spectators here?
“There are many things that play in and we would use true professionals, whether it’s police or security people or other experts.’’
The weather issues — dangerous scenarios aside — could be a devastating blow to the tournament. The worst thing that could happen to Merion is wet conditions, because they would compromise the difficulty of the golf course, which is only 6,996 yards.
“Because of conditions, I think [Merion] is not going to bare its teeth the way it should,’’ Ernie Els said. “I know guys were hoping for a firm test. I see a very close race with a lot of players in contention this year, unlike other U.S. Opens. It’s going to be bunched. It’s going to be under par, you’ll be seeing quite a few numbers in the red. It’s going to be an exciting U.S. Open.’’
If they can get through today’s potential derecho, that is.
mark.cannizzaro@nypost.com