Phil Leads With One More Day To Go At Magical Merion...

I've just returned from the course after a long, slow, but compelling day of spectating at what is quickly becoming maybe my favorite championship venue west of St. Andrews. While the hole locations have been too unrelenting (more on that later) and rough is hiding too many important strategic landing areas, those setup quibbles should not overshadow what a marvelous design this is and how masterfully it's been presented from a maintenance perspective.

The ambiance and cross-property views are amazing, the leaderboard is finally starting to separate and Sunday figures to be a dandy at magical Merion.

I'd love to hear how it's coming off on television or as a spectating experience, but in discussions today with volunteers and spectators the overall operation appears to be a massive success, with only minor gripes about some shuttle and viewing issues. Philadelphia's SEPTA is getting high marks for train service as well.

Your thoughts heading into Sunday with this leaderboard: