THERE has been a lot of agonised coughing and spluttering about the severity of the rough at Erin Hills ahead of this week’s US Open.

There are not many pills you can take for that kind of golfing ailment and, even if there were, the queue at the local chemist would probably be longer than the course itself.

“This is hay fever heaven, and I expect any pharmacy to sell out of antihistamines,” noted Henrik Stenson through sneezes and bleary eyes. Fescue? Bless you.

At some 7741 yards, this will be the longest US Open in history. It will be the first US Open course to play to a par of 72 since 1992 and for the first time in nearly 90 years, the first and last holes are par-5s.

The rolling prairies of Erin Hills emerged from the collision of glaciers over 10,000 years ago, which is all rather fitting given the glacial pace that golf edges along these days.

One observer noted that, “from a distance, even the tallest fescue rimming the fairways is a pleasing sight, much like a field of wheat softly blowing in the breeze.” As yet, no sign of Theresa May though . . .

Up close, of course, the rough has caused a considerable amount of wailing and bleating and the USGA officials have had the mowers, scythes and edging shears out to chop some of it back, much to the annoyance of Rory McIlroy and others.

When it comes to the rigours of a US Open, mental fortitude tends to be one of the most vital weapons in the armoury. Those expressing their grievances about the course are already a couple over-par on the psychological front.

As the great Jack Nicklaus always said: “The course isn’t supposed to suit your game, you are supposed to suit your game to the course.”

Those who keep their heads while everybody around them is losing theirs usually prospers in this demanding arena.

Dustin Johnson, the world No.1 and reigning US Open champion who is as laid back as a cemetery, was probably the only player who could have dealt with the bamboozling circumstances which unfolded during his final round last year when he wasn’t sure whether he would be penalized a shot or not at the end of it.

Having ascended to the top of the global pile with three wins in a row earlier in the campaign, Johnson’s painful descent on a flight of stairs, which caused him to withdraw from the Masters, has halted that momentum. He remains the favourite, though. 

While Johnson has been nursing a sair back, McIlroy seems ready to roar as he returns to action following a niggling rib injury.

Tee to green, there are not many finer on the tour and, with all four of his major wins so far coming on rain-softened courses, the set up at Erin Hills could be right up his street.

The likes of Sergio Garcia, Jordan Spieth, Justin Rose, Adam Scott, Jason Day and Rickie Fowler all have that terrific ball-striking quality while the swashbuckling Spaniard, Jon Rahm, has the power and bold sense of fearless adventure that could bear fruit.

Branden Grace, meanwhile, remains a canny dark horse having finished fourth and fifth in his last two US Opens while the equally handy Swede, Alex Noren, may have just been inspired by an American television channel somewhat ignorantly describing him “as the best player you’ve never heard of”. With five wins in the last 10 months, Noren has more than made a name for himself.

Who becomes the name on top this week remains to be seen. “Get your birdies when you can, always try to stay positive and never think you’re out of it,” suggested the aforementioned Day.

In the US Open, that can often be easier said than done.