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Spectator Guide to the 2008 U.S. Open Championship at Torrey Pines

What you need to know when attending the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines

By Inigo Figuracion, About.com

2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines

San Diego is set to be the focus of the sporting world when Torrey Pines South Course hosts the United States Golf Association (USGA) 2008 U.S. Open Golf Championship June 12-15, 2008. Torrey Pines is only the second municipal golf course ever selected to host this prestigious golf event. The Black Course at Bethpage, N.Y. was the first in 2002. In other words, this event is a big deal - bigger than San Diego hosting the Super Bowls in the past. Oh yeah, and Tiger Woods is favored to win this major championship.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

All times (PDT) and schedules listed are subject to change due to suspension(s) of play.

Pre-Championship Merchandise Opening at the Main Merchandise Pavilion
June 5 through June 8 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.). No ticket is necessary to enter the Main Merchandise Pavilion during this pre-Championship opening. The golf course and other facilities will be closed to the public.

Practice Rounds
Players will have the option of starting Practice Rounds at the first or 10th tee. Players electing to play a full round generally begin somewhere between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. It is typical for some players to be on the golf course or Practice Areas until dusk.

Monday (June 9) (Gates open – 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
Tuesday (June 10) (Gates open – 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
Wednesday (June 11) (Gates open – 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

Championship Rounds 1 and 2
Play is scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. from both the first and 10th tees. The last pairings each day will begin play at 2:42 p.m. and finish at approximately 7 p.m.

Thursday, June 12th (first round)
(Gates open – 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
Friday (June 13) (second round)
(Gates open – 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

Championship Rounds 3 and 4
The first starting time will be determined by the number of players who make the “cut” at the conclusion of the second round (60 players with the lowest scores including ties plus any player within 10 strokes of the lead). Generally, the first pairing begins play from the first tee between 8-8:30 a.m.; the last pairing for both days will start play from the first tee at approximately 2:50 p.m.

Saturday (June 14) (third round)
(Gates open – 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
Sunday (June 15) (fourth round)
(Gates open – 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

Playoff
If there is a tie for the lead at the end of 72 holes, an 18-hole playoff will be held on Monday (June 16). The playoff will begin at approximately 9 a.m. and finish at approximately 1 p.m. Gates will open at 7 a.m.

GENERAL INFORMATION

ATMs
ATMs will be located next to the Main Merchandise Pavilion, Trophy Club and Main Admission Gate.

Autographs
Spectators should keep in mind that the players’ first responsibility during U.S. Open week is to compete for the National Championship. For this reason, a “no autograph” policy is in effect throughout Championship week. Spectators should not approach a player for an autograph from the time immediately preceding the player’s starting time up to and including the player’s completion of his round, including the time when the player is at the Practice Areas or en route to his first tee. This policy applies to Practice Rounds as well as Championship Rounds.

Camera Policy
Cameras and camcorders are only allowed on site at the course during Practice Rounds, Monday through Wednesday, for personal photographic use only and without their cases.

Disabled Spectators
The USGA is pleased to provide the following services to our spectators with disabilities:
• Accessible parking spaces will be available at all Championship parking areas.
• Wheelchair accessible vehicles will be available to transport spectators with disabilities to and from the course.
• Our Disabled Services Committee will be on site to transport spectators to and from admission gates and designated viewing areas around the course.
• Motorized scooters will be available for spectators with disabilities, on a first-come, first-served basis, compliments of the USGA and Pride Mobility.
• TTY’s/TDD’s will be located in the Disabled Services Tent at the Main Admission and the USGA/Media Admission Gates.
• Accessible restroom facilities will be available at port-a-let locations throughout the course.

First-Aid Stations
First-Aid Stations will be located at the Main Admission Gate and the Practice Range. A handful of satellite first-aid stations will be located around the course. All first-aid stations will be staffed with emergency medical technicians. If a medical emergency arises, please notify a U.S. Open volunteer or USGA official.
Food and Beverage Service
There will be approximately 20 concession stand locations on the course that will have food and beverages for purchase.

Grandstands
Grandstands will be located at strategic viewing areas. There is no reserved grandstand seating; seating is provided on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Junior Tickets
Juniors 12 and younger will be admitted free of charge, on any day, when accompanied by a valid adult ticket holder. These tickets will be available at the Will Call facilities and all Admission Gates. Juniors 13 to 17 will be admitted at a reduced rate when accompanied by a valid adult ticket holder. These tickets can be purchased by credit card at the Will Call facilities and all Admission Gates. Practice Rounds $15; Championship Rounds $30.

Lost And Found
Any lost and found items will be taken to the Lost and Found Headquarters located in the security trailer next to the Will Call facility at the Main Admission Gate.

Lost Persons
Any lost person, including children, will be taken to the Missing Persons Trailer located next to the Will Call facility at the Main Admission Gate.

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