-Billy Condon
Beon Yeong Lee, an amateur from Montreal, put on an afternoon show and shot a second-round 68 to finish at even-par for his two rounds. Although it is too early to tell what this will mean for Lee's chances of heading to Pebble Beach, the seven birdies that Lee put together show that he's got game.
An afternoon round of 68 is impressive given that many players in the field have fizzled off after strong first rounds, and the breezy conditions may continue to plague players who still are on the course. A few players to mention who are still on the course and going strong include Dan McCarthy of Syracuse, N.Y., Blaine Peffley of Lebanon, Pa., and PGA Tour pro Len Mattiace.
Showing posts with label 2009 U.S. Open. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2009 U.S. Open. Show all posts
June 7, 2010
June 20, 2009
MGA Folks Inside the Ropes
By Greg Midland
The USGA has a strong relationship with the state and regional golf associations, and the affiliation with the MGA is particularly strong. A few MGA staffers have had large roles inside the ropes at the U.S. Open. Here's a summary:
--On Thursday, longtime MGA Tournament Director Gene Westmoreland was the walking Rules official with the Tiger Woods/Angel Cabrera/Padraig Harrington group.
--On Friday, MGA Executive Director Jay Mottola was an observer walking with the Phil Mickelson/Ernie Els/Retief Goosen group.
--On Saturday, Mottola observed for the Woods/Cabrera/Harrington group.
--All three championship days thus far, MGA Assistant Tournament Director Brian Farrelly has assisted the NBC television crew with equipment out on the course. On Saturday, Farrelly was assigned to the Woods/Cabrera/Harrington group in the morning, and then went back out at the end of the day for the Woods/Romero third-round pairing.
These three members of the MGA staff played key roles in the U.S. Open, demonstrating that these championships could not run without the help of volunteers. Farrelly described his experience helping NBC as "unbelievable, far over my expectations," and said that he helped with everything from driving a cart that had camera equipment on it to holding cables.
The USGA has a strong relationship with the state and regional golf associations, and the affiliation with the MGA is particularly strong. A few MGA staffers have had large roles inside the ropes at the U.S. Open. Here's a summary:
--On Thursday, longtime MGA Tournament Director Gene Westmoreland was the walking Rules official with the Tiger Woods/Angel Cabrera/Padraig Harrington group.
--On Friday, MGA Executive Director Jay Mottola was an observer walking with the Phil Mickelson/Ernie Els/Retief Goosen group.
--On Saturday, Mottola observed for the Woods/Cabrera/Harrington group.
--All three championship days thus far, MGA Assistant Tournament Director Brian Farrelly has assisted the NBC television crew with equipment out on the course. On Saturday, Farrelly was assigned to the Woods/Cabrera/Harrington group in the morning, and then went back out at the end of the day for the Woods/Romero third-round pairing.
These three members of the MGA staff played key roles in the U.S. Open, demonstrating that these championships could not run without the help of volunteers. Farrelly described his experience helping NBC as "unbelievable, far over my expectations," and said that he helped with everything from driving a cart that had camera equipment on it to holding cables.
June 19, 2009
Sun! And a Ticket Policy Change
By Greg Midland
You'd be forgiven if you turned on the TV coverage of the U.S. Open and been confused as to what was producing the bright light that is actually creating shadows on the wet ground. That's right, the sun has come out at Bethpage Black! Even for those of us who put our sunglasses away for the week, this is a very happy occurence.
Unfortunately, this bright cloud has a dark lining. Rain is in the forecast again tomorrow, and unless we get lucky, it's going to be nearly impossible to finish 72 holes by Sunday evening. It's looking like the first non-playoff Monday finish since 1983 at Oakmont.
If that happens, USGA Executive Director David Fay announced this morning that fans who were disappointed following yesterday's postponement of play will be able to use their Thursday tickets on Monday. To the USGA's credit, they responded to widespread criticism by fans and the media regarding, as Fay put it, the "vague yet rigid" ticket policy.
You'd be forgiven if you turned on the TV coverage of the U.S. Open and been confused as to what was producing the bright light that is actually creating shadows on the wet ground. That's right, the sun has come out at Bethpage Black! Even for those of us who put our sunglasses away for the week, this is a very happy occurence.
Unfortunately, this bright cloud has a dark lining. Rain is in the forecast again tomorrow, and unless we get lucky, it's going to be nearly impossible to finish 72 holes by Sunday evening. It's looking like the first non-playoff Monday finish since 1983 at Oakmont.
If that happens, USGA Executive Director David Fay announced this morning that fans who were disappointed following yesterday's postponement of play will be able to use their Thursday tickets on Monday. To the USGA's credit, they responded to widespread criticism by fans and the media regarding, as Fay put it, the "vague yet rigid" ticket policy.
June 18, 2009
Water, Water Everywhere
By Greg Midland
As the noon hour approaches here at Bethpage, play has been suspended for more than 90 minutes and there has been no let-up in the nasty weather. Sheets of rain and occasional gusty wind is combining to make it miserable for the spectators, many of whom are taking cover in the merchandise tent. So between memorabilia and beer sales, it could turn out to be a profitable rain delay for the USGA!
Still, they'd obviously much rather be playing golf. I arrived here at 8:15 this morning and caught up to Tiger, Angel Cabrera and Padraig Harrington on the fifth hole -- where both Tiger and Harrington made double bogey. Tiger then curled in a nice birdie putt on the sixth green, and the crowd roared its approval. It was at that moment that the rain started picking up, and by the time the group reached the seventh green, the horn had blown. Tiger and Cabrera elected to play their bunker shots onto the seventh green and mark their balls there.
Walking back to the media center was a slog. Mud is everywhere out here -- if you're going to come out any of the remaining days, waterproof shoes are a plus. Right now, the greens have rivers of water running through them and the fairways are puddling up. If it stops raining, the maintenance staff will need at least an hour and a half to get the course playable again. Stay tuned.
As the noon hour approaches here at Bethpage, play has been suspended for more than 90 minutes and there has been no let-up in the nasty weather. Sheets of rain and occasional gusty wind is combining to make it miserable for the spectators, many of whom are taking cover in the merchandise tent. So between memorabilia and beer sales, it could turn out to be a profitable rain delay for the USGA!
Still, they'd obviously much rather be playing golf. I arrived here at 8:15 this morning and caught up to Tiger, Angel Cabrera and Padraig Harrington on the fifth hole -- where both Tiger and Harrington made double bogey. Tiger then curled in a nice birdie putt on the sixth green, and the crowd roared its approval. It was at that moment that the rain started picking up, and by the time the group reached the seventh green, the horn had blown. Tiger and Cabrera elected to play their bunker shots onto the seventh green and mark their balls there.
Walking back to the media center was a slog. Mud is everywhere out here -- if you're going to come out any of the remaining days, waterproof shoes are a plus. Right now, the greens have rivers of water running through them and the fairways are puddling up. If it stops raining, the maintenance staff will need at least an hour and a half to get the course playable again. Stay tuned.
June 17, 2009
Phil's Arrival
By Billy Condon
I just got out of Phil Mickelson's press conference where the bulk of questions were geared towards his wife, Amy, and her recent diagnosis of breast cancer. Mickelson said how much he and Amy appreciate all of the support they have received, including the "Pink Out" held a few weeks back. He also spoke of how appreciative they are of all the articles the media has written in not only support of Amy, but of the individual stories they all share. This week, Amy has been leaving her husband notes, cards, and texts cheering him on and hopes that he can "bring home a nice silver trophy for her hospital room" when her treatment begins July 1.
Mickelson also spoke of how excited he is to be back in New York and how Bethpage (Black) is one of his favorite golf courses. He went on to say how he has brushed up on all current news regarding the Giants, Jets, Yankees and Mets so that he is prepared to talk sports with the New York fans.
You can be sure that all of the fans this week - and when Mickelson steps up to his first tee shot tomorrow will be cheering him on 100%.
I just got out of Phil Mickelson's press conference where the bulk of questions were geared towards his wife, Amy, and her recent diagnosis of breast cancer. Mickelson said how much he and Amy appreciate all of the support they have received, including the "Pink Out" held a few weeks back. He also spoke of how appreciative they are of all the articles the media has written in not only support of Amy, but of the individual stories they all share. This week, Amy has been leaving her husband notes, cards, and texts cheering him on and hopes that he can "bring home a nice silver trophy for her hospital room" when her treatment begins July 1.
Mickelson also spoke of how excited he is to be back in New York and how Bethpage (Black) is one of his favorite golf courses. He went on to say how he has brushed up on all current news regarding the Giants, Jets, Yankees and Mets so that he is prepared to talk sports with the New York fans.
You can be sure that all of the fans this week - and when Mickelson steps up to his first tee shot tomorrow will be cheering him on 100%.
June 16, 2009
Range Rat
By Greg Midland
The same way that fans flock to ballparks early to watch batting practice, golf fans love to watch the world's best players hit range balls. And no one brings the crowds like Tiger. This morning, on a cool, overcast day at Bethpage, about 3,000 fans packed the grandstand and standing areas around the driving range to watch The Striped One stripe some Pro v1 practice balls. With swing coach Hank Haney watching closely, Tiger hit balls for about an hour after playing nine holes with Andrew Svoboda this morning. The crowd applauded when he took the headcover off his driver and started bombing away, but I was more impressed with his 3- and 5-wood swings. The mix of trajectories he gets with these clubs from swing to swing is incredible. I don't think he'll be using the "stinger" swing too much this week because there won't be much run on the fairways, but it's there if he needs it.
June 3, 2009
One Ticket to Bethpage, Please
By Billy Condon
The hottest ticket in town this summer is not to see the American Idols concert tour or even the Jonas Brothers, but rather one of the remaining qualifying spots to play in the 2009 U.S. Open…and StubHub won’t be able to help. The only chance to punch a ticket to the Black is to earn a spot at one of 13 sectional qualifiers being held nationwide on June 8. Vying for these spots are a cast of characters that ranges from teenagers, college All-Americans, club professionals, pros with multiple Tour victories, and guys who work 9-5 jobs but pack a summer schedule of golf. The exciting thing is that all of these people have an equal chance to qualify…whether your name is Brad Faxon, an eight-time PGA Tour winner or Mike Stamberger, a finance broker in New York City.
Here is a quick breakdown on some of the Met Area amateurs looking to qualify:
• Morgan Hoffmann – Too many accolades to list after a tremendous freshman debut at Oklahoma State (see post below). Qualifying in Columbus, Ohio.
• Michael Quagliano – Qualified for Torrey Pines last year from the Memphis, Tenn. qualifier. Looks to again qualify in the Volunteer State – why mess with a good thing?
• Cameron Wilson – At 16 is the second-youngest competitor to make it to Sectionals and who just finished his junior year of high school. A strong lefty that backs down to no one and thrives in competition.
• Max Buckley – Recently finished his freshman year at SMU. A past Carter Cup champion that did a post-grad year at the Hank Haney International Golf Academy.
• Mike Stamberger – A past Met Amateur champion that advanced to the quarters of the 2008 U.S. Mid-Am.
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