Fans spoke, U.S. Open listened, cutting commercial breaks for this year's event

The move comes almost a year to the day that Whan promised to address the outcry over excessive breaks in the action. Last June, Whan responded to angry fans on Twitter, saying, "I'm on it!"

"We have the best sports production team in the world here with our partners NBC Sports (Olympics, Super Bowl, etc.) and if the amount of interruptions are problematic, we will work with our partners to do better!" Whan tweeted.

It seems like a no-brainer and good business to listen to your fans. However, as we all know, sports leagues aren't always on the pulse of what fans want. So, for once, it's nice to see that a deaf ear didn't block out fans' opinions and that, perhaps most importantly, the USGA rectified the problem.  

This year's U.S. Open should be an interesting one at Los Angeles Country Club amid last week's earth-shattering merger of the PGA Tour, Liv Golf and the D.P. World Tour. Like many, Whan was shocked by the news. However, unlike others, Whan believes it could lead to a net positive for golf. 

"If this proposed consolidation can help resolve the conflicts in men's professional golf and allows all parties to focus on the incredible interest, growth and opportunities that exist within our global game, then it's an important step forward," Whan said via Paoloa Uggetti of ESPN. 

Per Andrew Wright of Golf Monthly, Whan said he doesn't believe the recent merger will negatively impact this week's U.S. Open, adding, "once the balls go in the air the athletes take the narrative back." 

While Whan may be painting a hopeful, rosy picture, it's clear several golfers already feel the tension, which should make for an intriguing few days.