2022 US Open (Golf) - The Country Club in South Brookline, MA

Leon Trotsky

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Jul 18, 2005
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Boston, MA
I am going on Thursday, probably for the afternoon. Any tips on where to get a good spot near the ropes on fairway landing areas? I want to see guys hit out of this rough...
 

Senator Donut

post-Domer
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Apr 21, 2010
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I am going on Thursday, probably for the afternoon. Any tips on where to get a good spot near the ropes on fairway landing areas? I want to see guys hit out of this rough...
My first instinct is to say hole 3, where the fairway is 9 yards across at its narrowest point. There is a grandstand near the 6th green where you should be able to view approach shots into 3, unless there is hospitality on top (not sure). Definitely download the US Open app and take a look at the map before you go.
 

HoyaSoxa

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Dec 4, 2003
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Needham, Mass
I was there yesterday. Here are a few fairly practical takeaways:

  • I took the parking shuttle from Lot X (parking garage by Trip Advisor in Needham) and it dropped us off next to a small farm across the street from the 5th hole by Gate 7. I believe all of the parking lots will go to different gates, but can’t find that info online anywhere. The shuttle itself worked pretty well, but it was clear that the crowds on Monday were smaller than they will be later in the week - loads of idle buses waiting at Trip Advisor.
  • Kids under 13 get in free with paying adult (up to 4 per adult) and the process was incredibly easy. There was a “ticket assistance” booth at the gates, and they just gave my kids stamps and they walked in.
  • Despite the eyewash I had seen in advance (and thus planned for) about the “most sustainable” US Open ever and encouraging people to bring their own water bottles, and despite the oncourse maps showing “hydration stations” in many place, the folks working the concession stand behind 6, where the map showed a hydration station to be, had no idea what I was talking about and told me water was only available for purchase. My kids were thirsty, so I payed the (reasonable) $3.50 x 2 for cans of Dasani. I later did find a water bottle fill station next to the 14th fairway by the port-a-potties, but I think that is a normal member amenity. It may be that the hydration stations are still coming later in the week, but it was hot yesterday (one older gentleman seemed to have heat stroke and was getting medical attention by 9 when we were there).
  • Concessions overall were ok in terms of prices - basically what you would expect at Fenway ($10-$11 beers, $7 hotdogs), but not a ton of variety in the standard gallery sections. I was extremely jealous to see people with wrist bands for the Trophy Club walking around with cans of Tree House Julius, though. Good news is I will save money because I won’t be loading up on Bud Light, Corona, or Sam Adams Boston Lager when I go back for the championship rounds.
  • I hit the merch tent on 14 because we were right there. The hat selection was good, but the kid’s merch was also a bit limited. Perhaps the bigger tent by the first fairway has more selection. I was trying to get polo shirts for my daughters (8 and 10), and there were only two options in youth sizes - a pink one for girls and a blue one for boys.
  • We made a half-hearted effort at getting autographs around the practice area, but no one was signing around noon time. There was no indication of where the designated autograph area is supposed to be, and a whole lot of traffic there with the putting green sharing the same piece of land as the first tee and all of the other action around the clubhouse.
  • The scoreboards and the app tried to give you info on where to find players in their practice rounds, but play was pretty sporadic in the morning, so it was hard to see a ton of golf unless you just found a group and followed them. Jumping between holes is not as useful when there may be a big gap between groups.
  • My favorite spot I found was the area between 13 and 14. There are two food tents there, shade, and good views of the 13th green and 14th fairway for the huge second shot up the hill.
  • So many blind shots for players also means so many blind shots for spectators. If you try to go out to the landing area on many holes, you will have no idea who is hitting the tee shot (e.g. on 13).
 

moretsyndrome

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Jan 24, 2006
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Pawtucket
A co-worker spent yesterday following Morikawa around. She confirmed what you'd expect about the rough. He hit it in there three times on par fours and was dead every time, just chopping back to safety and hoping to get it close enough for at least some kind of par putt.
 

Senator Donut

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Apr 21, 2010
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  • I hit the merch tent on 14 because we were right there. The hat selection was good, but the kid’s merch was also a bit limited. Perhaps the bigger tent by the first fairway has more selection. I was trying to get polo shirts for my daughters (8 and 10), and there were only two options in youth sizes - a pink one for girls and a blue one for boys.
The big merchandise tent has a great selection. This Golf WRX article from 2016 and this NBC 10 news segment from this year both give you a good idea of the selection available (the tent is essentially torn down and reassembled every year, so it looks very much the same as it did at Oakmont). I went for one of the preview days on Saturday with some ticketless friends who wanted to see the course.
 

Leon Trotsky

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Jul 18, 2005
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Boston, MA
My first instinct is to say hole 3, where the fairway is 9 yards across at its narrowest point. There is a grandstand near the 6th green where you should be able to view approach shots into 3, unless there is hospitality on top (not sure). Definitely download the US Open app and take a look at the map before you go.
Thanks for the tip. I'll also scout out some locations on the app.

My regular bike commute takes me by Forest Hills on the orange line. There are nearly a dozen shuttle buses just lined up waiting to take people, and it is a quick ride up the Arborway to the Country Club (I think they actually drop you off at Larz Anderson Park and then you walk a little from there). Seems like by far the best way to get there to me. Unless you are riding a bike, which I will happily be doing.
 

ColdSoxPack

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Jul 14, 2005
2,351
Simi Valley, CA
TV Schedule for the week.Full coverage of the tournament but lots of channel changing the first two days.

Thursday

6:45am-9:30am Peacock
9:30am-2:00pm USA
2:00pm-5:00pm NBC
5:00pm-7:00pm USA
7:00pm-8:00pm Peacock

Friday

6:45am-9:30am Peacock
9:30am-4:00pm USA
4:00pm-7:00pm NBC
7:00pm-8:00pm Peacock

Saturday

10:00am-12:00pm Peacock
12:00pm-8:00pm NBC

Sunday

9:00am-10:00am Peacock
10:00am-12:00pm USA
12:00pm - 7:00pm NBC
Thx. I guess I have to find out what Peacock is and if I get it. Sounds like an NBC thing.
 

petefungtorres

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Jul 31, 2006
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One of the amateur qualifiers is a 20-year-old from Topsham, Maine named Caleb Manuel. I'd love to see him do well this week.

My oldest kid was a year behind him in high school and was paired with Caleb in the final group for the individual high school state championships when Caleb was a junior and senior. Caleb was so much better than anyone else (except for his teammate Cole Anderson, who now plays at FSU) - his senior year he set consecutive course records in the qualifier and finals - shooting 64 and 63.

In the MSGA junior championship last year he and his opponent were tied on the last tee, a par five. His opponent (another great played named Armond Oullette) stiffed his second shot to fifteen feet and would make the putt for eagle. It wouldn't matter, though. Caleb holed out his second shot for a walk off win with an albatross. My kid was part of the gallery behind the green - witnessing the most unbelievable finish he'll probably ever see.

And now Caleb is playing in the US Open.
 

HoyaSoxa

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Dec 4, 2003
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Needham, Mass
One of the amateur qualifiers is a 20-year-old from Topsham, Maine named Caleb Manuel. I'd love to see him do well this week.

My oldest kid was a year behind him in high school and was paired with Caleb in the final group for the individual high school state championships when Caleb was a junior and senior. Caleb was so much better than anyone else (except for his teammate Cole Anderson, who now plays at FSU) - his senior year he set consecutive course records in the qualifier and finals - shooting 64 and 63.

In the MSGA junior championship last year he and his opponent were tied on the last tee, a par five. His opponent (another great played named Armond Oullette) stiffed his second shot to fifteen feet and would make the putt for eagle. It wouldn't matter, though. Caleb holed out his second shot for a walk off win with an albatross. My kid was part of the gallery behind the green - witnessing the most unbelievable finish he'll probably ever see.

And now Caleb is playing in the US Open.
Caleb was out yesterday with Wellesley lad Michael Thorbjornsen, who has some interesting parallels to Francis Ouimet. Francis did not attend IMG Academy, to my knowledge, though.
 

Buck Showalter

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Feb 26, 2002
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Secured tix for this thing for Saturday....

Looks like free shuttles to the country club from a few places --- including the Boston College and Cleveland Circle stops.

Great weather is expected as well.

Anybody know what time the leaders will tee-off on Saturday?
 

HoyaSoxa

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Dec 4, 2003
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Needham, Mass
Secured tix for this thing for Saturday....

Looks like free shuttles to the country club from a few places --- including the Boston College and Cleveland Circle stops.

Great weather is expected as well.

Anybody know what time the leaders will tee-off on Saturday?
With plenty of daylight and TV coverage on NBC scheduled to go until 8, I would expect final 2-some to go off around 3:30. Sunday will go a bit earlier to leave time for a playoff (no more 18 hole Monday).
 

Doug Beerabelli

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One of the amateur qualifiers is a 20-year-old from Topsham, Maine named Caleb Manuel. I'd love to see him do well this week.

My oldest kid was a year behind him in high school and was paired with Caleb in the final group for the individual high school state championships when Caleb was a junior and senior. Caleb was so much better than anyone else (except for his teammate Cole Anderson, who now plays at FSU) - his senior year he set consecutive course records in the qualifier and finals - shooting 64 and 63.

In the MSGA junior championship last year he and his opponent were tied on the last tee, a par five. His opponent (another great played named Armond Oullette) stiffed his second shot to fifteen feet and would make the putt for eagle. It wouldn't matter, though. Caleb holed out his second shot for a walk off win with an albatross. My kid was part of the gallery behind the green - witnessing the most unbelievable finish he'll probably ever see.

And now Caleb is playing in the US Open.
He’s a UConn kid too. Will be rooting for him. That’s a great story.
 

RedOctober3829

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Jul 19, 2005
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He’s a UConn kid too. Will be rooting for him. That’s a great story.
One of the kids(Jared Nelson) from my hometown club played with Caleb at UConn and was the 2nd best player on the team behind him. Caleb actually won the Big East individual title this year.

Funny story, my dad and his partner are in a club tournament where it's NCAA Tournament-style. It's a format where 2-man teams of all handicaps are put into a bracket and it's slow played over the course of the year. You find time to play on your own within a certain timeframe. Well, my dad and his partner were in the "play-in" portion and if they won their match they play the #1 seed. Well, the #1 seed is Jared and his partner who played college golf as well. Two 65+ year old guys with 15-20 handicaps vs. 2 guys in their early 20s that hit it 325 off the tee. Should be an interesting match, haha.
 

4 6 3 DP

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Oct 24, 2001
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Was told yesterday that Patrick Reed hit a drive into the hay on one of the holes and hit a second down the pipe. Came down to the fairway, played his second to the green and then went over to the volunteer who had found the ball in the dense rough. He tells her to pick it up - a kid behind the ropes asks if he can have the ball, Reed hears it and says "No" - to the shock of the volunteer, took the ball, headed to the green.
 

jsinger121

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Jul 25, 2005
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Caleb Manual qualifying for the US Open is big for a guy I went to college with who just started his own athletic branding firm and just signed Manuel to a deal within the last month.
 

TFP

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Was told yesterday that Patrick Reed hit a drive into the hay on one of the holes and hit a second down the pipe. Came down to the fairway, played his second to the green and then went over to the volunteer who had found the ball in the dense rough. He tells her to pick it up - a kid behind the ropes asks if he can have the ball, Reed hears it and says "No" - to the shock of the volunteer, took the ball, headed to the green.
Curious where you heard that because I heard the exact same story as well.
 

BaseballJones

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Oct 1, 2015
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It really isn't that hard to be nice to others.

Except for some people... it sure seems to be.

What a discouraging story. :-(
 

RedOctober3829

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Jul 19, 2005
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deep inside Guido territory
Was told yesterday that Patrick Reed hit a drive into the hay on one of the holes and hit a second down the pipe. Came down to the fairway, played his second to the green and then went over to the volunteer who had found the ball in the dense rough. He tells her to pick it up - a kid behind the ropes asks if he can have the ball, Reed hears it and says "No" - to the shock of the volunteer, took the ball, headed to the green.
Reed is a grade A asshole. I volunteered at Shinnecock in 2017 and he was the fucking worst.
 

Doug Beerabelli

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Reed…SMH. What a dinkus.

Compare Lee Westwood signing his ball and handing it to my son between holes. During the third round of the PGA at Baltusrol.

Unrelated - I think it would be awesome in concept to have some sort of Ryder Cup type match between PGA tour members and LIV tour members. The downside would be to further legitimize/monetize the LIV tour.
 
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Zomp

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Aug 28, 2006
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They’ll be practicing all day.



My wife is going to downtown Boston tomorrow. Anyone know if there is a pop up shop for gear?
 

Ale Xander

Hamilton
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Oct 31, 2013
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They’ll be practicing all day.



My wife is going to downtown Boston tomorrow. Anyone know if there is a pop up shop for gear?
Inside only, per multiple store reps on the preview weekend that just passed. (If you have a practice round Wednesday grounds ticket, or whatever day you want to buy gear, you're good to go)
 

HoyaSoxa

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Dec 4, 2003
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Needham, Mass
There is a USGA-sponsored "19th Hole" at High Street Place Foodhall tomorrow afternoon (4-9), featuring a live Shotgun Start podcast (Brendan!), but not sure they will have any merch.
 

Senator Donut

post-Domer
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Apr 21, 2010
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Thanks for the tip. I'll also scout out some locations on the app.

My regular bike commute takes me by Forest Hills on the orange line. There are nearly a dozen shuttle buses just lined up waiting to take people, and it is a quick ride up the Arborway to the Country Club (I think they actually drop you off at Larz Anderson Park and then you walk a little from there). Seems like by far the best way to get there to me. Unless you are riding a bike, which I will happily be doing.
I just had some boots on the ground reconnaissance (i.e. a volunteer) confirm that the sixth green grandstand top row provides good sight lines. I was also told to wear golf shoes (someone had a bad slip and fall and left in an ambulance) and maybe bring binoculars or a range finder, though I think I’ll pass on the latter.
 

TFP

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Inside only, per multiple store reps on the preview weekend that just passed. (If you have a practice round Wednesday grounds ticket, or whatever day you want to buy gear, you're good to go)
You have all this detailed info but don’t know if or when “they’re practicing” tomorrow?
 

Leon Trotsky

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Jul 18, 2005
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Boston, MA
I just had some boots on the ground reconnaissance (i.e. a volunteer) confirm that the sixth green grandstand top row provides good sight lines. I was also told to wear golf shoes (someone had a bad slip and fall and left in an ambulance) and maybe bring binoculars or a range finder, though I think I’ll pass on the latter.
I will check that out. Probably going to go to the afternoon wave, so will see how the crowd goes.

Based on my bike commute, it has been very breezy out last couple days, and looks to be same throughout the tourney (this spring has been brutal with the wind in Boston). Should make the course even harder!
 

Senator Donut

post-Domer
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Apr 21, 2010
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I will check that out. Probably going to go to the afternoon wave, so will see how the crowd goes.

Based on my bike commute, it has been very breezy out last couple days, and looks to be same throughout the tourney (this spring has been brutal with the wind in Boston). Should make the course even harder!
Adding to this, I was also recommended the grandstand by the second green, which has good views of the fifth green and the fourth hole.
 

Deathofthebambino

Drive Carefully
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Apr 12, 2005
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I'll be there all day tomorrow, and by all day, I mean "all day." Been invited by a vendor, and they have a bus picking a group of us up at Davio's in Chestnut Hill at 8:15 a.m., then returning to Davio's at 6:30 for dinner/drinks. I'll have a "Trophy" club ticket, which apparently gets me full access to the event grounds, grandstand seating, and entrance to a "premium facility" to the left side of the 14th, whatever that means (I'm guessing corporate tent).

If anyone is going to be there, and wants to meet up for a drink or whatever, send me a PM and I'll pass along my cell to those of you that don't have it.
 

Ale Xander

Hamilton
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Oct 31, 2013
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I'll be there all day tomorrow, and by all day, I mean "all day." Been invited by a vendor, and they have a bus picking a group of us up at Davio's in Chestnut Hill at 8:15 a.m., then returning to Davio's at 6:30 for dinner/drinks. I'll have a "Trophy" club ticket, which apparently gets me full access to the event grounds, grandstand seating, and entrance to a "premium facility" to the left side of the 14th, whatever that means (I'm guessing corporate tent).

If anyone is going to be there, and wants to meet up for a drink or whatever, send me a PM and I'll pass along my cell to those of you that don't have it.
You going to the game after, too?
 

Oil Can Dan

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I'll be there all day tomorrow, and by all day, I mean "all day." Been invited by a vendor, and they have a bus picking a group of us up at Davio's in Chestnut Hill at 8:15 a.m., then returning to Davio's at 6:30 for dinner/drinks. I'll have a "Trophy" club ticket, which apparently gets me full access to the event grounds, grandstand seating, and entrance to a "premium facility" to the left side of the 14th, whatever that means (I'm guessing corporate tent).

If anyone is going to be there, and wants to meet up for a drink or whatever, send me a PM and I'll pass along my cell to those of you that don't have it.
Sounds like a great day! On the 'Trophy Club' thing, I went on Monday and had the same. That 'premium facility' is simply a big tent where you can pay $20 for a tiny Ruth Chris steak sandwich or other food items. It's a good spot to cool down and grab a beer and some food but that's about it..
 

ColdSoxPack

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Jul 14, 2005
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Simi Valley, CA
I'll be there all day tomorrow, and by all day, I mean "all day." Been invited by a vendor, and they have a bus picking a group of us up at Davio's in Chestnut Hill at 8:15 a.m., then returning to Davio's at 6:30 for dinner/drinks. I'll have a "Trophy" club ticket, which apparently gets me full access to the event grounds, grandstand seating, and entrance to a "premium facility" to the left side of the 14th, whatever that means (I'm guessing corporate tent).

If anyone is going to be there, and wants to meet up for a drink or whatever, send me a PM and I'll pass along my cell to those of you that don't have it.
Talk about living the life! Have a great time.
 

Deathofthebambino

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Apr 12, 2005
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Have a great time but we need you on that wall at 9:07.
Oh, I'll be on the wall, I'm not sure if I'll need to Uber home from Davio's to Andover, or be able to drive, but one way or another, I will be watching the game from my couch with you misfits.
 

inJacobyWeTrust

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Nov 12, 2007
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I'll be there all day tomorrow, and by all day, I mean "all day." Been invited by a vendor, and they have a bus picking a group of us up at Davio's in Chestnut Hill at 8:15 a.m., then returning to Davio's at 6:30 for dinner/drinks. I'll have a "Trophy" club ticket, which apparently gets me full access to the event grounds, grandstand seating, and entrance to a "premium facility" to the left side of the 14th, whatever that means (I'm guessing corporate tent).

If anyone is going to be there, and wants to meet up for a drink or whatever, send me a PM and I'll pass along my cell to those of you that don't have it.
I was there yesterday with my 3.5 yr old and had Trophy Club access. It's a nice spot as it's indoors, with plenty of less chaotic seating and less crowded bar/food options. It was great for us to be able to sit in a relatively cooler spot out of the sun and crowd and let the kid enjoy a snack and a water for a bit before walking around more. I'll also be there Saturday (sans kid) and am guessing the experience will be significantly different between the crowds, energy level, and "lubrication" happening. You do have to check in right in front of the tent to get a wristband before heading in, given heavier crowds might not be a bad idea to do that on the early side to avoid an annoying wait.
 

Lupe Whalewatch

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I'll be headed in tomorrow as well. I'm coming from the south shore, and trying to figure out the best/easiest way to get there. My original plan was to drive to my inlaw's place right across rt 9 and walk the remaining 1.5 miles, but does anybody know if driving to one of the T parking lots and taking a shuttle would be quicker?
 

ezemerson

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Jan 19, 2013
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I'll be headed in tomorrow as well. I'm coming from the south shore, and trying to figure out the best/easiest way to get there. My original plan was to drive to my inlaw's place right across rt 9 and walk the remaining 1.5 miles, but does anybody know if driving to one of the T parking lots and taking a shuttle would be quicker?
Went in yesterday and chose the T option. Parked at Riverside and took it to Reservoir for the shuttle. Pretty easy but you have to add a good 45 minutes to your schedule from when you park to when you get to the gate
 

Catcher Block

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Has anyone had any interaction with the Amex Reserved Grandstand on the 2nd Hole for the practice rounds?

I bought a Thursday ticket for my Father which includes access to that area, and wasn't really sure what to tell him to expect. I can't imagine anything is included, given the secondary price relative to the Gallery passes, but feel free to pass along anything worth mentioning. Even if it's just a semi-private place he can sit down and have his lunch in peace, that'll be enough.
 

Foxy42

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Spent much of the day there today. The trophy club should be renamed, ‘the treehouse Julius’ club…I was constantly jealous seeing people on the course w those cans.
 

LoweTek

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A guy from my tiny little country club qualified. Watch for Keith Greene 8:57 tomorrow alongside the above mentioned amateur Caleb Manual.