A walk around Oakmont CC
Famed American humorist Mark Twain once quipped, 鈥淕olf is a good walk spoiled.鈥�
Now, since Mr. Twain passed away long before witnessing me on a golf course, I can鈥檛 lay claim to being the inspiration for that quote.
But, I did not bring my golf clubs along Monday for a walk around Oakmont Country Club, so I just had a nice jaunt on a wonderfully, sunny late spring day.
For those who plan on attending the U.S. Open this week (and given ticket sales, I鈥檓 guessing there蘑菇视频 one or two of you out there), here蘑菇视频 some of the where-fors and what-nots to ease the process and make the experience enjoyable.
Oakmont is a little burgh of around 6,500 people, so the population on the borough蘑菇视频 centerpiece historical site will overshadow the folks in town.
Unless you have a fancy pass, most spectators will have to park and ride to the course. Spectator lots will be provided at the Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills (Blue Lot) and Hartwood Acres (Red Lot) and shuttle service will transport spectators to and from the course.
Practice rounds continue today and Wednesday, gates opening at 6 a.m. through 7 p.m. The first two rounds begin at 6:45 a.m. on both tees and go throughout the day. Gates open at 6 a.m. and remain open to the conclusion of play.
The weekend rounds (Saturday蘑菇视频 is sold out, by the way) generally begin at 8-9 a.m., but gates again open at 6 a.m. Now, should there be a tie after 72 holes, maybe you can return for Monday蘑菇视频 18-hole playoff beginning around noon.
Spectators are permitted to carry mobile devices smaller than seven inches in length or height, including cell phones, smartphones and PDAs, set on silent or vibrate. Designated 鈥淧hone Zones鈥� are set up around the course for the placing or receiving of phone calls. Texting is allowed as long as it蘑菇视频 not disruptive to the players.
As with everything in today蘑菇视频 society, all folks entering the grounds will go through security screening. Spectators are not permitted: weapons (of any kind), tablets or computers (except for us media types), cameras (once play begins on Thursday), video or recording devices, backpacks, briefcases and/or bags larger than six inches wide, high or deep or transparent/clear plastic hand. Shoulder bags no larger than 12鈥砏 x 12鈥矵 x 6鈥矰 are permitted, no signs, posters or banners (sorry Happy Gilmore), no food or beverage (unless for infant needs and I did see a few strollers on the course), no pets (leave Fido at home), lawn chairs, ladders or step stools.
For spectators鈥� convenience, for some reason, complimentary WiFi is offered in select grandstands, U.S. Open Spector Square, Gate 2 and the 16th tee food court.
Okay, got you into the course. Now, I walked the course Monday so I could offer what spectators new to Oakmont Country Club can expect as they move around the grounds.
The course is undulating (it is in western Pennsylvania, after all), meaning whenever the course grades downhill, there will be a corresponding uphill. Sometimes there is a downhill and uphill on the same hole!
No. 1 is a momentum-producing downgrade. The stretch from No. 2 through No. 8 is on the other side of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, crossing over on the Hulton Bridge.
A grandstand is situated by every green on those seven holes, with the undulation going up starting on No. 2 and naturally down as spectators head back across the turnpike to the No. 9 tee.
(A little side note: The panoramic view, looking back to the historic clubhouse from the landing area on the seventh fairway, is spectacular.)
The ninth hole grades uphill, levels off and then continues upward to the green.
The back nine follows the same up-and-down pattern.
Most every fairway has a spectator crossing, although it seems to end at No. 12 with Nos. 13 and 14 having not much accessibility. The closing holes can be reached from the 18th fairway passage.
The 17th green has a huge grandstand, adjacent to an equally large grandstand on the 18th tee.
As for footing, be cautious. I wore a pair of running shoes as I toured the course and certain grassy areas were slick to cross. (Pity the golfer who hits wayward off the fairway!) Now, should it rain, all those feet stomping on the same path could provide sketchy footing.
I walked the Highlands Hospital 5K last week, kicking off around 11,500 steps to cover the course. That蘑菇视频 about the same number I had Monday walking the grounds of Oakmont Country Club, so if you鈥檙e going to watch, be ready to walk a little.
As you situate yourself on the course, be it in one place or following a favorite player, please remember golf etiquette and decorum. Be a spectator, not a spectacle.
Lastly, the fellas inside the ropes are on the job, so spectators are asked to respect their privacy. Per the USGA website, 鈥淔or this reason, a no-autograph policy is in effect on-course throughout championship week. Spectators should not approach any player for an autograph from the time a player is en route to his first tee until the completion of his round. This policy applies to practice rounds as well as championship rounds.鈥�
Though if you ask politely, outside of that time, most golfers seem to be good enough to sign a hat or placard.
Or, you could save the time and money, and let Fox Sports walk the grounds for you as you recline in your easy chair. Watch in HD with snacks, burgers, beer or soft drinks that aren鈥檛 priced at a premium.