With is being so close, I decided to take a day off work and grab the oldest and head up to watch Monday's practice round of the Open. I've never been to an Open before, let alone a practice round. Obviously there's no set schedules or tee times, so any tips on getting the most out our day up there?

I've been to several majors and I actually enjoy the practice rounds more than Thursday-Saturday. My advice would be get to the range early. Plant yourself there for a while. I think it's pretty interesting to watch them practice/warm-up. Then when somebody you like heads to the first tee, follow them. I think you get a better feel for what the pros are thinking if you follow one guy rather than staying at one hole. I followed Greg Norman at the '91 Open at Hazeltine (RIP Payne) and still use some of the stuff I got from observing him.

The range and designated short game area is where I prefer to watch the pros. For me it's where I can see and learn the most and get the most bang for my buck. You can follow your favorite players, but at most you will see two pros in a group hit a couple of shots every 15 minutes.

I would suggest you walk the course to see it for yourself and appreciate the beauty of the design and shot values....but it's a tough walk and and something I would suggest only if you have never done so before or have played the course prior.

Instead, perch yourself in a bleacher seat at the 16th green. You can see the 15th, 16th and 17th holes, see the action and be comfortable in the process.

I totally agree with the practice range and short game area. Also I would post at the markers of the tee boxes, especially a par 3. You can listen in on the back and forth between the player and caddie. Also the players take extra time there, and most of them will interact with the fans around them.
I perfer the practice rounds also because the players are more relaxed, and will interact with the fans. You will get to see the more human side of them, good or bad.

If you plan to follow tiger wear running shoes. I wish that was a joke Cause I had to haul butt that Monday to follow him at Augusta and it wore me out. Is Bethpage hilly? Oh yeah, please take pics and post them! hehe

The range is really cool. But try camping out somewhere until you see your faorite players, and then just walk the course. When I went to Winged Foot in 06, Tiger happened to be out on the course. We knew what side he was playing (he was only playing 9 holes on that Wednesday) so we went off to see him. The place was dead...my friend and I were wondering why there weren't more people. Well the reason for that was that there was a huge sea of people following Tiger around, hole by hole. I told my friend we should just park ourselves on the 18th tee while he was walking down 17.

There was NO ONE on 18!

As a result, I was able to get some good pics, this one being my favorite...





He was close enough for me to stick my hand out and pull the glove out of his back pocket. Good stuff.

Great information guys, truly a life saver! I'm super excited, as this is my first time attending an event.

I'm reading the little packet of information that comes with the tickets, it stays no camera's or cell phones, does that apply to practice rounds as well? I would hate to be at the U.S. Open and not be able to at least take a couple pictures?

They won't let you bring your cell phone in, even during the practice rounds (in my experience). However, you can bring a camera for practice rounds, I remember at Winged Foot they wouldn't let my buddy bring the camera CASE in, just the camera.

Catching the train in about an hour, thanks for all the tips guys.