The sarcastic, stinging phrase was first uttered decades ago, although its original author has been forgotten in the mists of time.
Over the years, the biggest event run by the U.S. Golf Association has been fraught with bad administration, head-scratching decisions and too many raging egos to mention.
It finally prompted one wit to caustically crack: “The U.S. Open: The greatest event in the world, run by amateurs.”
Amateurish was the kindest term being slung about after what transpired in the final round Sunday night with tournament leader Dustin Johnson, a player who had absorbed a thousand body blows in his career already.