US Open Photos (in my head)

My husband was given tickets to attend the US Open by a colleague. I’m not a golf fan, I don’t play and I only occasionally watch. I appreciate the sport, it’s just not my thing. But a day at a major event with my husband sounded like fun, so I happily went out to Bethpage Black yesterday morning.

The rain has been the big story, but it was sunny and warm as we made our way through the muddy trails to finally find a spot to stand at the 14th hole, where we watched, and waited, and watched, and waited. Finally Tiger came through, and we, along with at least 2/3 of the people around us, moved along. The rains were starting to return, so we just came home. Based on what I saw on tv later (rain rain rain, and lots of beer-soaked “fans”) I’m glad we did, but it was a been there, done that thing for me. Fortunately for Pat, who actually enjoys watching golf, he also had a couple tickets for today, so he and our oldest headed back out there for hopefully more golf (rain rain rain.)

There are rules when you attend a major golf event. No cameras, no cellphones. And they check. I think they hired off-duty TSA employees to handle security. So I had to leave my iPhone behind, and while I understand the reasons, I really missed having it with me. I’m so used to tossing off tweets and grabbing photos on the go that as we walked around I kept thinking what a great photo this or that would make. Not of the players so much, but the people were a great side-show. Especially the shoes. I saw the cutest rain boots on some of the women. Knee high flowery boots, and little clear booties with funky designs. Of course there were mostly sneakers and the occasional flipflop (I’m pretty sure that was a regrettable choice.)

As we were leaving and the rain was starting to come down rest of the rain gear began to come out. Gone are the days of clear or yellow ponchos and black or red & white striped umbrellas. The sidelines grew more colorful as the sky grew more gray. Would have loved to take some shots!

Like I said, I get the reasons for no cells or cameras. I imagine a sideline full of idiots not turning off their flashes, or even worse grabbing calls loudly as a player tees off would ruin golf for both the players and the fans. It’s just too bad such a great photo opp exists only in my head.