Open Golf Live, On The Average Joe's Local Haven By Eddie Mayrose

At about 7:30 EDT on Thursday, June 15th, the world of professional sports will collide with that of the weekend warriors as the U.S. Open gets underway at Bethpage Black; the only entirely public golf course to ever host the celebrated event. In what is likely the ultimate tip of the hat any sport can give its loyal followers, the top golfers from all over the world will ply their trade at the same venue where many regular joe golfers have done the same. Granted Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson wont be spending the previous night sleeping in their vehicles in order to gain a prime start time but they will be faced with the same traps and pitfalls that everyday hackers must contend with on a regular basis. For the faithful, its Open Golf Live, on their home turf.

Be certain of this --Bethpage Blacks status as a municipal course brings a wonderful element to whats already acknowledged as a major tourney. How many who walk the hallowed grounds of the Old Course at St. Andrews, or Royal Troon or Carnoustie have actually played the break on any one of the greens? Can you imagine the thrill in walking the course during the 2006 Ryder Cup at the K Club in Ireland and watching the best that Europe and the USA had to offer? Now, how much more enjoyable would that be if you were sure that Steve Stricker would bring the bunker on the left into play if he under clubs himself? Thats exactly what many of the fans on Long Island will feel as they follow the four rounds of the U.S. Open. Open Golf Live, on the spot where you were taught the game.

Even those who can't make the pilgrimage to Bethpage will clamor for any way to view Open Golf Live. There will be no limit to weekend duffers downloading streaming video to their office computers in order to watch the opening stages of the first two rounds. With one eye on the screen and the other on the boss office, theyll view with a very special interest as Ernie Els finds the same rough on 8 that they always seem to find. A knowing grin will greet Camilo Villegas' misread of the break on the 14th green from the guy who's made the same mistake more than a few times. Open Golf Live, out of your own bag.

Everyone knows that fan is an abbreviation for fanatic. Its the reason for many types of lunacy, from the innocent face painting at the Final Four to the more serious death threats on referees during the World Cup. We live and die with our teams and our players but, invariably, it is a vicarious pursuit. For one weekend in June, however, itll be one with which we can identify on a level rarely experienced. Open Golf Live, the way we hope to play.