Ben Vitale
(Photo Credit Ben Vitale)
I attended the US OPEN, and would like to share a few of my observations
with you. I smiled when I saw Phil Mickelson, intentionally violate the rules
of Golf, by hitting a moving ball to make it stay on the green. It was obvious
that he was disgusted with the condition of course. From a spectators
standpoint… I was dismayed to see the golf
balls roll off of the green and just keep rolling for 100 feet. If the USGA
likes challenging golf courses, they should have the next US open on Mount
Everest! But the services of Sherpas would be needed, instead of caddies! LOL!
Everyone would be forced to carry a bag of coca leaves, for altitude sickness!
LOL!
I couldn’t think of a better person to make a political
statement about the condition of the golf course than Phil Mickelson. The USGA
dared not disqualify him for his actions… I would be the first one to display
my displeasure! You don’t mess with everybody’s friend Phil Mickelson! LOL!
My party of four purchased tickets to the Trophy Tent! It is
a good idea to purchase tickets to one of the specialty tents, just to have a
place to get out of the sun, relax, and watch the monitors in an air
conditioned environment. The USGA placed volunteers at many locations to help those
attending have a positive experience. I was very impresses with a volunteer who
serviced the trophy tent. A volunteer
worker whose name is Michelle Burt, helped my party of four, feel like royalty!
I attended the competition with my wife and two sons… we all
agree that the event was spectacular! It is worth attending at any cost!
The logistics of this event was outstanding! Special Long
Island Rail Road trains were used to shuttle thousands of people from Penn Station,
and Eastern Long island, to this event. Complimentary parking was provided at
Francis S. Gabreski Airport. 90 deluxe fully equipped deluxe motor coaches, from
four states, were used to shuttle the many guests to the event location in Southampton,
NY. The Police did a great job at directing traffic. The US OPEN staff did a
great job at opening and closing walking paths across the Fairways.
I would rate this event as five star handicapped friendly. A
Mobility Scooter Tent was located in Fan Central, for fans with disabilities, compliments
of the USGA and Pride Mobility. Actually anyone who could not normally walk
three to four miles might consider using a scooter. They had many scooters that
were available.
The only thing that was missing was temporary street signs,
showing the locations of the various venues. Otherwise the event was fantastic,
and I will be attending the next US OPEN when it returns to the Shinnecock
Hills Golf Club, in Southampton, Long Island, New York..
