Round .5 Clippings, 2009 U.S. Open

The rainout gave me a little more time to do some clippings. And there's actually a lot of fun stuff posted.

John Hawkins goes out in the rain to see just how miserable conditions were. And who says writers never leave the tent? On a serious note, in the video you'll get to see just how water logged the property is. And I can attest. They didn't just pick the worst spots. It's like this everywhere. Poor Bethpage deserves better!

Also on the video front, Jeff Rude talks to Tom Lehman in hopes of hearing how he hit the same person twice on the same hole, Bethpage's fifth.

Gary Van Sickle wisely points out that this week's problems should be a sign of trouble for the 2014 USGA plan at Pinehurst to contest back-to-back Opens.

I've already believe I was called out on Twitter for my latest GolfDigest.com entry of the day about Bethpage's lack of subsurface green drainage. That's comical since I'm not a fan of the USGA Green construction (largely for artistic and economic reasons). However, the question will be asked after this week: can Bethpage host another Open without converting to the better-draining green spec? I'd hate to see it happen, but when you want to host U.S. Open's and it tends to rain when you do so, they really come in handy.

Michael Walker points out the USGA's no refund policy and how it's not going over well. I heard local sports talk shows were chatting about it and less than civil tones, and the discourse likely won't improve when they hear the Yankees are giving all ticketholders to Wednesday's rainout a free ticket.

Alan Bastable talks to some of the disgruntled fans. Everyone was frustrated except those fortunate enough to have access to the corporate tents.

Perhaps in homage of Dan Jenkins, Jim McCabe tries to lighten the mood with a worst case scenario game story.

Golfweek features photos from the lovely day one.

Dave Fanucci on the USGA's weather policy and how they monitor inclement weather.

Dave Shedloski with some of the anecdotal evidence from Jeff Brehaut and others that Bethpage was playing long in almost unimaginable ways.

Jaime Diaz notes that the AmEx Experience is popular not only for the shelter it provides, but the cool amenities like the indoor bleachers setup in front of a huge screen and the interactive swing analysis. I'll get pictures before I leave, it's pretty swell.

And Jack McCallum, legendary SI NBA writer, is camped out in an RV near the course to experience the People's Open in the People's Town Car.

Comments

[Farmingdale]

Geoff, that Lewis Grizzard quote is one of the funniest things I've ever read!

Can anyone name the one occasion where Lewis thought it was appropriate to wear socks with one's loafers?

[Brad Ford]

I will be sending my bag tag back to the USGA over their handling of the ticket policy. It is simply unacceptable not to refund the money or to allow fans to attend another day.

[thusgone]

farmingdale: his grandmother's funeral?

https://www.lewisgrizzard.com/columns/archive/MySocklessStance.html

[KS]

There are options for putting drainage systems into existing push-up greens. Oakmont has such a system. The areas that looked like gridlines in Oakmont's greens at their most recent Open were where the drainage lines were installed. That system will never drain as well as a USGA-spec green, but it will help considerably.

[al p]

Check out this quote from Alan Shipnuck on the lack of a refund policy. What planet is this guy from? Not a greed corporation.... come on!

Unfortunately, the first round of this U.S. Open was compromised by the rainy weather and unplayable course conditions. Now there's a bit of a stink about the USGA's decision not to offer refunds or rain checks. It's a bummer of a situation for the fans who made the long journey to Bethpage, but the anger is misplaced. The USGA is not a greedy corporation or wasteful government agency trying to screw the little guy. It is the very soul of golf, run largely by volunteers whose only motivation is to preserve and protect the game we all love.

[Taylor]

I don't think the anger is misplaced - the USGA needs to find a better solution than just saying sorry. If the weather forecast comes true, they're going to have a huge mess on their hands because it looks like tomorrow might be in jeopardy too and even Sunday.

[JohnV]

I agree that there must be a better solution to the ticket problem. But giving fans a ticket to another day doesn't seem to work. After all, while the Yankees might give a ticket to fans who where rained out yesterday, I guarantee it can't be used at an already sold out game. The rest of the week is sold out. Where would you put 40,000 more people? Beside, most of them have full week tickets so it shouldn't make that big a difference to them.

[Taylor]

The USGA has said it will honor Thursday tickets on Monday, which is a good solution. What will they do if tomorrow gets rained out? Will those tickets be honored Monday? What if play has to be extended to Tuesday - and then what happens if a playoff occurs? Could the US Open end next Wednesday?

[doug]

Pretty sure the sandy soils of Pinehurst will have little risk of being saturated...

the big problem will be getting the course WET and SOFT enough for the LPGA players to play it if there is a monday playoff for the men

[doug]

thursday tickets

USTA policy for US Open tennis is 90 minutes of play constitutes a "full day" of play... USGA is in the right, especially if they've given them a re-enter for a highly likely monday finish...

[Aunt Blabbie]

The USGA made another mistake, that's all.

[Taylor]

USGA amended their ticket policy:

http://www.usopen.com/en_US/news/articles/2009-06-19/200906191245434843781.html

They're following the USTA, apparently - if 90 minutes of golf is played, then there won't be a refund or allowed entry any other day.

They're also offering 50% refund to Thursday ticket holders if the tournament finishes on Sunday.

Good job by the USGA recognizing their mistake and quickly resolving it.

[Ky Laffoon's Ghost]

Ah, Lewis Grizzard. I read him daily and had most of his books. A genuinely funny man and avid golfer until he got sick and then realized at the same time that the 42nd President of the United States reminded Lewis too much of himself...that was entirely too much to take. And he never, absolutely never, wore socks, unless he was also wearing a tuxedo. There are those of us who miss him still.

[Mike B]

All US Opens should be held in California where there is no June rainstorms ...

East Coasters will realize this is a good thing as will the TV guys with Saturday and Sunday finishes in prime time ....

[dbh]

Not to belabour the whole ticket thing, but seriously, can something possibly be as David Fay describes,
'We understand that our ticket policy is both vague and rigid....'
Isn't that oxymoronic?

[DK]

In today's society of victims the USGA should have known that using the old act of God dodge was not going to work.