Looking forward to the U.S.Open?

I certainly am! Bethpage Black has to be one of the greatest venues ever to host an Open. First, it is a public facility that anyone can play...admittedly easier for some than others. Second, it is a classic layout, full of trouble to challenge the best golfers in the world, but entirely fair in that hitting good shots is rarely penalized. Finally, it sits just that close to the largest city in the United States, yet feels like pastoral farmland as you make your way around the course.

I am proud to say I have played Bethpage's Black course, and don't even live in NYC. A few years back, myself and a couple of co-workers were able to walk on in the late-afternoon on a very rainy and grey day. Yes, a stoppage of play during a deluge on the 3rd tee caused us to eventually stop our round on the 16th green lest we become lost and never find our way back in the darkness, but I played enough of the couse to experience its greatness.

If you have a chance to play this course, do yourself a favor and make the necessary effort to play. Not only will you be able to walk the very ground that has humbled the likes of ever golfer who has played it (save for Tiger...maybe), but I guarantee you will thoroughly enjoy every one of your 100+ strokes. I play to an 8 handicap and I had an 81 through 16.

Finally, I think I can safely assume that you all have a T.V. Well, make some time over Father's Day weekend to watch the players try to tackle this beast while it is setup for the Open, should be a blast!