Enthusiasm, electricity add to Bethpage's character

The Black course at Bethpage State Park on Long Island is unlike any venue ever utilized for the U.S. Open, mainly because anyone can play it if he or she has $50 to $60 for a New York resident, or $100 or $120 for a non-resident.

Bethpage Black is hilly and unforgiving. But when it's flowing with 40,000 people, many of whom have played the course — some after sleeping in their cars all night in the parking lot — and have opinions on how to play it, it's downright fun to be walking around.

"They (give advice) during the tournament," Tiger Woods said. "It doesn't just happen during the practice rounds. They yell out during the tournament as well."

The enthusiasm and electricity didn't bother Woods during the 2002 championship, the first ever on a truly public daily-fee course. He tamed the conditions to win his second of three U.S. Open titles by 3 strokes over Phil Mickelson.

The U.S. Golf Association brings the Open back to Bethpage Black, designed by the legendary A.W. Tillinghast and built in 1936, this week and has added some teeth by adding more than 200 yards, increasing the length to 7,426 yards at par 70.

Still, players are looking forward to an improved setup under Mike Davis, in his fourth year as USGA senior director of rules and competitions.

Jim Furyk, the 2003 U.S. Open champion, said the setup the first time at Bethpage "probably presented the most problems for me" because of length and the wet weather during the first two days. He ended up missing the cut.

Kenny Perry said last week that all he could remember about Bethpage Black was "there wasn't a birdie hole out there. ... Every hole was a struggle."

Based on Davis' work the last three years in setting up Winged Foot, Oakmont and Torrey Pines, however, Furyk believes the playability of the course will improve.

"I think he's done a wonderful job," he said. "I think the positive note I'm taking is going to Bethpage with an open mind because it's going to be different than it was the last time. I'm expecting Bethpage will be set up differently and, hopefully, a little more suited for my game."

The USGA took a lot of heat in 2002 at the 10th hole, a long par-4 that included a 280-yard drive from the tee to reach the fairway, a carry that some players could not negotiate. This year, the carry has been reduced by 35 yards.