Speaking of the US Open...

[midtnvol]

and the condition of the course. I've noticed a trend in the higher priced venues to leave more natural areas and less of the manicured. There is a big plus to this in that it takes little or no maintenance in the natural areas thus less expense. On top of this they can now claim to be a links type course and biotch slap you at the cash register. It's a win-win situation for the venues that do this...it's a lose-lose for the poor saps like me that go and play these places occasionally. I played Pinehurst (#2) about 30 years ago and it was just OK, I thought #6 (it had just opened up) was great. When I was a kid golf was not as elitest as it seems now.

[volsboy]

Happening to a lot of sports. Look at some of the travel baseball teams. I don't see how so many parents afford this. And the worst thing is their little boy sucks, but still is playing because Mom and Dad have money. On that note...Happy Fathers day to all you Dads out there.