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GOLF RESOURCE GUIDE:
2008 U.S. Open
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 It’s one of many things spectators won’t be allowed to bring through the gates when the scenic course in La Jolla plays host to the country’s national golf championship this month. Other items include portable music players, radios or televisions, lawn chairs, coolers, beverage flasks and digital cameras. (For a complete list, visit usga.org.) Spectators will walk through metal detectors and, if an objectionable item is found, they’ll be asked to discard it or to get in a security line to check it before entering. “And that will just add to your time, and everyone else’s, of getting into the tournament,” said Mike Antolini, the manager of the 2008 U.S. Open for the United States Golf Association. Spectators are urged to park at Qualcomm Stadium and take a free shuttle bus to Torrey Pines. With the San Diego County Fair opening the Saturday of U.S. Open week, traffic around Torrey Pines could be a mess, and there are no pay lots or secret spaces to park close to the course. Once on the grounds, spectators will find grandstands at 17 holes, plenty of free phone bays for calling family and friends, and stands selling portable DVD players and satellite radios to help keep track of the tournament. There also will be a U.S. Open Experience tent that highlights past champions and venues; a Lexus Performance Drive tent where spectators can get their picture taken with the 2008 U.S. Open trophy and more; and a 39,000-square-foot merchandise tent to satisfy the needs of all golf fans. “If you want it, chances are it’s somewhere in that tent,” Antolini said. While the North Course will house most of the tents and activities, the South Course will be where all the golf action takes place. “When you’re on the South Course, there’s a very clean feel to it,” Antolini said. “There are bleachers on every hole, and 16 large leaderboards, but no skyboxes or chalets. It’s a very nice, clean spectator experience and since bleachers are first-come, first-serve, it makes everyone equal.” Unlike other PGA Tour events, which usually hold pro-ams on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday of tournament week, all seven days of the U.S. Open feature players practicing or competing. “This is a true week-long event that starts on Monday and doesn’t finish until the last ball goes in the cup on the 18th hole Sunday,” Antolini said. “There are practice rounds, but they’re set up like championship rounds with set tees. We have a lot of spectators who come out and see those rounds, because they’re a great spectator experience. The only difference is that no one is keeping score.” Still, nothing matches the intensity of the four days of competition. “When we hit the ‘go’ button to the world on Thursday, there is a different change in attitudes. You can feel when that switch is hit,” said Antolini. SG Spectator VitalsConcession stands: 16. Volunteers: Just over 6,000. Marshals: 2,500 (included in the 6,000). Leaderboards: 16, including one off the course and the Monsterboard on the 18th hole. Public restrooms: 48. Phone bays: Nine locations around the grounds. Grandstands: Approximately 30 bleachers with more than 24,000 seats. All are first-come, first-served. Gates: Open at 6 a.m.; close after play ends, around 7 p.m. Parking: Free at Qualcomm Stadium with shuttle buses to Torrey Pines. Alternative routes: Take the Amtrak to downtown San Diego, hop on a trolley to Qualcomm and take a shuttle to Torrey Pines; or take a taxi or passenger car to Northpoint Drive, across from the Torrey Pines Gliderport. Once dropped off, spectators have a short walk to the main admission gate at the Gliderport. |
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