I really do love the US Open. This year, it is even more special, as it is being played on the Black Course at Bethpage State Park, just outside of NYC in Farmingdale, NY. Some call the Black Course A.W. Tillinghast's greatest. Not having played all his others, I'm not quite sure. One thing is for sure: It is a spectacular track, and I feel lucky to have been able to play it a few times.
I played there a *ton* last summer. God knows it kicked my ass. Best score in 7 rounds? A whopping 84. I learned that my grandfather used to play there quite a bit when he lived on Long Island. I would have liked to have played a round there with him ...
The course is in perfect condition, especially since the USGA started pumping $$$ into the course for the Open. The greens are pretty flat, but they will be very fast, and the course is looooong. With the rough at US Open length, it will be a real test. On the front 9, my favorites are the par-5 4th hole and the par-4 5th. Both are intimidating as hell and require perfect tee shots as well as accurate approaches. Otherwise, you're dead.
I must admit, though, that there is something special about the 1st tee ... The tee box is elevated, so you've got a great view of the ball as it makes its way to the corner of the dogleg (or into the weeds). However, the really cool thing about the 1st tee is that is backs up onto the clubhouse, the 18th green and the main walkway of the Black and Yellow courses. There is also the sign above, located next to the stairs leading to the box, trying to intimidate you out of your game. Plus, the sense of anticipation before playing the course is quite unique. You *know* you're in for something special. Bunches of people tend to mill around that area, so when you smack a nice one, it really feels pretty damn good. It is an incredible way to start a round.
On the back nine, the 12th is a challenge, and 15 through 18 are as good a test of golf as it gets. Once the leaders cross the road on Sunday to the 15th tee, the real drama will begin. The 15th green is especially severe.
U.S. Open Pairings And Tee Times
Pairings and starting times for the first two rounds of the U.S. Open Thursday (June 13) and Friday (June 14) at the par 35-35-70, 7,214-yard, Bethpage State Park (Black Course) in Farmingdale, N.Y.
source: Newsday
Black Beauty
by Leonard Shapiro, contributing writer, GOLF MAGAZINE
Bethpage: Course Layout
source: Newsday (375K)
US Open 2002 : Player Profiles
source: ESPN
What & who to watch for at the U.S. Open
CNNSI.com & GOLFONLINE's Sal Johnson:
The 15th Hole ... "All it needs is a windmill ..."
source: Newsday
How the Open Came to the People
by Bill Pennington, Ney York Times
I love this pic ... Olazabal swinging his driver in the Bethpage parking lot ... just like the other hacks.
source: US Open, official site
Bethpage By The Numbers
source: US Open, official site
Super Killer U.S. Open Quiz
Think you know everything there is to know about the toughest national championship in the world? Try our 15-question brainteaser. And please, no wagering
By Gary Van Sickle and Sal Johnson
US Open Trivia
So you think you have some smarts when it comes to U.S. Open history? If you're up to the challenge, we've got the test for you. Take our U.S. Open Trivia Challenge and see how much you really know.
from: Golfweb & Sportsline
US Open (official site)
http://www.usopen.com/
U.S. Open Live Webcast
For the second consecutive year, USOPEN.COM will provide a live, two-day Webcast. This year, the site will feature unprecedented two-hole coverage of the 3rd (205-yard, par 3) and 14th (161-yard, par 3) holes.
http://www.usopen.com/webcast/index.html
Golf Magazine & CNN Sports Illustrated: US Open Coverage
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/golfonline/2002/us_open/
New York Times: US Open Special Coverage
http://www.nytimes.com/pages/sports/golf/index.html
New York Newsday: US Open Section
http://www.newsday.com/other/special/ny-usopen-splash.htmlstory
ESPN: US Open Coverage
http://sports.espn.go.com/golf/usopen/index
Golfweb/CBS Sportsline: US Open ceverage
http://www.golfweb.com/tournaments/usopen/
Golf Digest: US Open special section
http://www.golfdigest.com/majors/usopen/
Monday, June 10, 2002
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