If you’ve been watching the U.S. Open and hearing the announcers talk about the barranca there’s a good chance you’ve been asking yourself, “what in the heck is barranca?”
Good news. We have a very simple answer: It’s a narrow, winding gorge that snakes through the course at Los Angeles Country Club. It’s also not really a place you want to hit a golf ball into.
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Fortunately, there isn’t much water in the barranca this week, so players may be able to hit out safely. According to the USGA, anyone who does find themselves stuck in the barranca will be presented with the unpleasant choice to either hit the ball as it lies or take relief for the price of one penalty stroke.
Barranca (noun)
1. A steep-walled ravine or gorge
2. Not a spot you want to hit your golf ballHere are the rules that apply if a player ends up in a barranca this week at LACC. pic.twitter.com/xueIpn6EGn
— USGA (@USGA) June 13, 2023
But Dustin Johnson found the barranca during Friday’s second round. The result wasn’t pretty.
The barranca bites back.
Dustin Johnson cards a quad on No. 2. #USOpen pic.twitter.com/naWYKQETQZ
— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) June 16, 2023
Here’s a look at some of the interesting photos of the barranca and the other trouble that Los Angeles Country Club offers up, and how it impacted some of the players this week at the U.S. Open.
2023 U.S. Open
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 16: Jon Rahm of Spain chips on the fourth green during…
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 16: Jon Rahm of Spain chips on the fourth green during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open Championship at The Los Angeles Country Club on June 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
123rd U.S. Open Championship – Round Two
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 16: Omar Morales of Mexico reacts to his shot on the…
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 16: Omar Morales of Mexico reacts to his shot on the 15th hole during the second round of the 123rd U.S. Open Championship at The Los Angeles Country Club on June 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
U.S. Open – Round Two
SAN DIEGO, CA – JUNE 19: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland looks for his ball in…
SAN DIEGO, CA – JUNE 19: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland looks for his ball in the barranca to the left of the 15th hole fairway before taking a penalty drop during the third round of the 121st U.S. Open on the South Course at Torrey Pines Golf Course on June 19, 2021 in La Jolla, San Diego, California. (Photo by Keyur Khamar/PGA TOUR via Getty Images)
PGA: U.S. Open – Second Round
Jun 16, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Jordan Spieth walks in a rough on the 8th…
Jun 16, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Jordan Spieth walks in a rough on the 8th hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Los Angeles Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
PGA: U.S. Open – Second Round
Jun 16, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Jordan Spieth looks on the 8th hole during the…
Jun 16, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Jordan Spieth looks on the 8th hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Los Angeles Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
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