U.S. Open Kicks Off In Southampton To Traffic Woes

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — The 2018 U.S. Open Golf Championship kicked off in Southampton Monday, bringing thousands of sports enthusiasts to the East End — and creating traffic woes for residents just trying to get to work.

With a commute of only a few miles taking hours, residents have turned to social media to vent their frustration.

"I’ll be glad when the U.S. Open is over," Kristina Gale said "I saw a video this week of a guy in Germany that floats down the river to work. I was wishing I could do that!"

Gale said she had to go from Lynn Avenue in Hampton Bays to Sag Harbor, and the trip took an hour and a half.

Others said the idea of leaving points east to head to Riverhead was pretty much unthinkable for the week.

According to Southampton Town Police Lt. Susan Ralph, traffic was heavier on Montauk Highway due to people avoiding Sunrise Highway.

Southampton Town Police asked all taxi services to utilize the drop off designated area on Montauk Highway to drop off passengers.

"Discontinue utilizing County Road 39 as it is extremely dangerous for passengers to walk along County Road 39 to walk across four lanes of traffic," a release said.

Also, police have said motorists are encouraged to utilize Sunrise Highway, or NYS Route 27, Montauk Highway, o County Route 80, and County Road 39 during the week of the tournament, which takes place through Sunday.

"Utilization of these roadways will alleviate some traffic issues," police said.

This is the fifth time the championship is being hosted at the historic Shinnecock Hills Golf Glub in Southampton.

The golf championship, which brought more than 550 jobs to the area, is anticipated to generate between $120 million to $130 million in economic impact for the region, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said. The analysis, he said, is based on expected weekly attendance of more than 200,000 people, including players, fans, volunteers, vendors and media.

Fans flock to Southampton

According to the USGA, the 118th U.S. Open Championship is filled with opportunities for fans to experience the excitement.

For the first time, fans get a front-row seat to live USGA video interviews at the U.S. Open Live desk, with special guests including 2003 U.S. Open champion Jim Furyk and 2012 U.S. Open champion Webb Simpson, NFL quarterback Joe Theismann and NY Knicks player Ron Baker. Look for the U.S. Open Live tent overlooking Fan Central for a chance to catch a glimpse.

The U.S. Open “Epic Putt” will offer fans the chance to challenge themselves on a specially created Shinnecock green. Fans will also have unique photo opportunities to commemorate their time at the championship, including the 118th U.S. Open sculpture located in Fan Central.

Additionally, fans looking to step away from the course can enjoy a variety of unique and interactive experiences and benefits created in partnership with Deloitte, Lexus, and American Express including virtual reality, golf simulators, player autographs, phone charging, and radios, a release said.

Fans can purchase official 118th U.S. Open merchandise at a 37,000-square-foot Main Merchandise Pavilion, which features more than 400,000 U.S. Open-logoed items. "Every attendee can take home a piece of history," a release said.

Below is a list of daily highlights and things to see and do while on the grounds at Shinnecock Hills.

On Monday, the USGA kicked off with an opening ceremony at U.S. Open Live at Fan Central.

Tuesday, June 12 marks #LoveGolf Day at the U.S. Open. The highlight of the day is the inaugural Celebration of Champions, a four-hole public exhibition honoring the winners of each of the 2017 USGA championships. Amateurs and professionals from multiple generations will play holes 10 to 13. Eight-time USGA champion Jack Nicklaus will serve as the honorary starter for the exhibition. The 4:45 p.m. event pairs 2017 USGA champions as two-player teams and is open to all fans attending Tuesday's practice rounds.

On Wednesday, June 13, young golf enthusiasts are invited to participate in Junior Day. From 8 a.m. until 2 p.m., youths ages 18 and under can practice their skills, have fun at the LPGA/USGA Girls Golf “play station” and learn about the scientific principles that influence the game of golf. All juniors will be able to track each activity on a complimentary “scorecard,” which can be redeemed for a prize at the Merchandise Pavilion throughout the day. Juniors interested in participating are asked to register: U.S. Open Junior Day.

Thursday, June 14, Flag Day will be observed with a formal flag-raising conducted by the United States Coast Guard from Station Shinnecock. The special ceremony honoring the military will take place on the first tee prior to the championship’s first tee shot at 6:45 a.m. All fans will receive a flag pin.

On Sunday, June 17, fans can commemorate Father’s Day by sending digital U.S. Open cards from stations located near Top of the Hill and Fan Central, as well as with photo opportunities in a life-sized Father’s Day photo frame located near the 16th tee. Complimentary Father’s Day souvenir pins will be distributed to all fans attending the U.S. Open on Sunday. The USGA Fan Clubhouse will encourage the use of the hashtag #honortheone to recognize individuals who introduced and shared their love of the game.

Know Before You Go

A complete list of activities and information fans need to prepare for U.S. Open, including parking, security, events, championship viewing and more, can be found here and on the official U.S. Open mobile app. The app is available through iTunes and Google Play.

For a full rundown on what you need to know, click here.

Patch photo by Lisa Finn.

Video courtesy Kristina Gale.