The U.S. Open in my backyard

[c-series don 11,984]

Well it’s not exactly in my backyard but it is only about ten-fifteen minutes from my house. It’s the 126th playing of the US Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club. I went today for one of the practice rounds that started Monday. Tomorrow official play starts. This is one of the oldest golf courses in the country and it is steeped with history. Founded in 1891, it has hosted the Open several times. It is an ultra exclusive, strictly private club except during this tournament. Figured I’d take a few pictures for those of you who like me, enjoy the game of golf. First picture is Rory Mcllroy teeing off. Last pic is my ugly mug! 

[CasaytheMann 157]

How much was admittance for a practice round?

[953 nut 66,699]

Looks like you had a wardrobe malfunction,                fixed it for you.

 

 

[c-series don 11,984]

@CasaytheMann It was free for First Responders through the GovX website, and I am a volunteer firefighter. My fire department is the neighboring department to the department whose district the Open is in. We have guys there on standby and my son in law is the chief of my department so we drove the chiefs truck practically right to the edge of the course and walked in. 
 Knowing what the course looks like normally and then seeing the amount of infrastructure built is amazing. I’ve been watching them build for almost a year. There’s a public road that cuts right through the course that gives a great view of the course, some of those pictures are taken from that road. Obviously it is closed for the duration of the event. 
 I can get an actual FD pass for the final day on Sunday but I’m thinking it might be better to watch from the comfort of my home! 

[pfrederi 20,681]

Looking beyond the greens fairways that get watered things look a bit dry.  Bet they have a major irrigation system

[WHX?? 56,866]

I know absolutely nothing about golf other than binge watching Adam Sandler movies and most golf carts have a beverage holder but why are guys holding their hands up? Someone score a touchdown? 

[rjg854 13,094]

2 hours ago, c-series don said:

I’m thinking it might be better to watch from the comfort of my home! 

That's what I do, I don't play golf, but I enjoy watching those that do.

[8ntruck 8,964]

I used to play golf in my company's golf league.  Duffer flight.  Had fun, though.

 

Golf is a game that demonstrates Brnulli's principle in aerodynamics.  In my case, usually curving the ball's flight in interesting directions.

[c-series don 11,984]

I do play golf, although I’m not really good at it. I’d say I’m an average golfer. Watching these guys either live or on TV driving the ball incredibly far and the accuracy of their short game is nothing short of impressive. 

8 minutes ago, rjg854 said:

That's what I do, I don't play golf, but I enjoy watching those that do.

 

8 minutes ago, rjg854 said:

 

Edited 9 hours ago by c-series don

[rjg854 13,094]

2 minutes ago, c-series don said:

I do play golf, although I’m not really good at it. I’d say I’m an average golfer. Watching these guys either live or on TV driving the ball incredibly far and the accuracy of their short game is nothing short of impressive. 

 

 

That's why I like watching, I am amazed at some of the shots they make from some of the places they have to make them from.  I find it very relaxing and exciting at the same time.

[stevasaurus 23,717]

Love playing and watching golf !  My game is really suffering in my old age, but I still love being out there.  I used to be a bogy golfer...that means, I always hit at least one great shot that keeps you comming back.  The last  time the Open was around here was Medina When Raymond Floyd won.  

[squonk 46,901]

As someone who's first job was mowing greens and roughs on a golf course I ask, Where the heck are all of the trees? The course I worked at had more trees in one hole than that place. Looks terrible! 

[c-series don 11,984]

@squonk It’s a links style course, and they don’t have trees! In fact when the course was built in the late 1800’s there were no trees, just basically rolling sand dunes. Right next door is National Golf Links of America, another world famous golf course that dates way back. It too has very few trees. And next to that is Sebonic Golf Club where the women’s US Open was played a few years ago. That course however does have trees. 

[WHX?? 56,866]

15 minutes ago, c-series don said:

It’s a links style course

Does that mean they have sausage links???? ... I'm in if they do. 

Told ya I don't know squat other that those gals out in the boonies selling cold beverages can be pretty hot.