By Billy Condon
I got the chance to catch up with Sean Farren after what would be his final round of the 2009 U.S. Open on Saturday. Farren, who posted a 80-75-155 missed the cut but remained positive as he discussed the awesome experience. "It was great, just great" replied Farren regarding his first U.S. Open as a competitor. "It was long and I left a few shots out there, but it is very scorable for those guys." When asked about the course conditions and how much it affected his play, Farren admitted that it was a bit soggy out there, but he feels that it was the length of the course that was the toughest challenge. "I don't hit the ball far enough like these other guys, holes like 5, 10 and 12 I had to play as par fives - it definitely is a bomber's paradise out there. On more than a few holes Farren was forced to hit hybrids into greens where others were coming in with 7 and 8 irons.
But it has been a fairy tale week for the head pro from the Creek Club, and Farren commented on how great a lifestyle these professional golfers lead as he was able to live it for a week. "Being able to play the best golf courses in the world and get paid for it, it's like Christmas every day - the food, the transportation and just how they are treated in general.
Farren was also impressed with how nice the other golfers were, especially after having a friendly chat with Jim Furyk, who asked about the Creek and the history behind the fantastic course. Farren also believes he was a little bit of luck for some of the guys who have been on their A game this week, having played with Lucas Glover, Todd Hamilton and Matt Bettencourt all at some point during the week.
Farren stated that in regards to playing in a U.S. Open, "anyone who loves golf should be able to experience this once in their lifetime. If I had the chance to do this again, I would give it up for someone else to have the chance."
When asked if he was going to stick around to see the outcome of the Open, Farren said that he has to go back to work on Sunday now that he doesn't have the Open as an excuse. Regardless, Sean Farren can always look back on the fact that not only did he qualify, he was able to play golf on Saturday at the U.S. Open in front of friends, family and strangers who embraced him as their hometown guy.
Showing posts with label Bethpage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bethpage. Show all posts
June 21, 2009
June 19, 2009
A Walk to Remember
By Billy Condon
I arrived to Bethpage this afternoon and as the sun poured down, there was one thing that kept drawing my attention - feet. The heavy rains that doused Bethpage yesterday made for quite the mudfest today and the New York fans were up to the challenge...well...most were. Some of the more creative and smart solutions to the muddy mess I encountered were a few gentlemen who had tied plastic bags around their feet and up their lower legs. Another man wore plastic bags around his socks inside his shoes. Others wore mid-calf rubber galoshes while another wore crocs.
Some of the footwear blunders of the day included a frequency of sandals, including ones that someone had given up on and abandoned in the sticky swamp that was the gallery walkways. And with the mud kicking up the back of legs, the sundresses that were being sported today turned out to be a big mistake.
With the expected precipitation tomorrow, it again looks like proper footwear will be a must as today's sun managed to not dry out the mud, but turn it into a pine tar-esque paste. Alas, it will take more than a little rain and mud to quiet the rambunctious fans as cheers, boos, laughs and gaffs continue to echo through the grounds of the Black.
I arrived to Bethpage this afternoon and as the sun poured down, there was one thing that kept drawing my attention - feet. The heavy rains that doused Bethpage yesterday made for quite the mudfest today and the New York fans were up to the challenge...well...most were. Some of the more creative and smart solutions to the muddy mess I encountered were a few gentlemen who had tied plastic bags around their feet and up their lower legs. Another man wore plastic bags around his socks inside his shoes. Others wore mid-calf rubber galoshes while another wore crocs.
Some of the footwear blunders of the day included a frequency of sandals, including ones that someone had given up on and abandoned in the sticky swamp that was the gallery walkways. And with the mud kicking up the back of legs, the sundresses that were being sported today turned out to be a big mistake.
With the expected precipitation tomorrow, it again looks like proper footwear will be a must as today's sun managed to not dry out the mud, but turn it into a pine tar-esque paste. Alas, it will take more than a little rain and mud to quiet the rambunctious fans as cheers, boos, laughs and gaffs continue to echo through the grounds of the Black.
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.
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