Golfers at Merion had to hit fairway shots off this mat prior to US Open

Because of the tremendous amount of rain that has fallen in the Pennsylvania area this week, the conditions at the US Open have been a bit unusual. Merion Golf Club is known for being one of the most difficult courses in the country to play, with firm conditions typically sending shots rolling all over the fairways and greens. Several inches of rain is enough to soften even the most immaculate course.

However, viewers may have already noticed that the fairways appear to be in perfect condition in terms of divots. The course was virtually divot-less for the first round of the US Open on Thursday, and that was not a coincidence. Since last October, anyone who played at Merion — members included — had to hit all of their fairway shots off a small artificial grass mat that their caddies carried around with them.

Talk about a commitment to excellence. If Tiger Woods was thinking about trying to sneak in an improper drop at this major, he better think again. There will be no confusion over which divot is which this weekend.