Maybe it has to do with the sport's ties to the British Isles, but I've always thought golf was closest to its essence in nasty weather. Clear skies are best for the players, sure, but there's something romantic and even nostalgic about seeing them wind- and rain-battered, hitting low shots as they squint into the overcast horizon, overpowered by the elements. That's why I was excited that this year's U.S. Open took place at The Olympic Club in San Francisco, and why the first three sunny days left me a bit empty. We were promised fog!

It finally crept in Sunday, and the dark skies and heavy air set the stage for an ugly final round, where Raleigh's Webb Simpson stole a major title from seasoned contenders such as Jim Furyk and Graeme McDowell.