SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. — The 2018 US Open golf championship kicked off in Southampton on Monday, bringing thousands of sports fans to the East End — and creating traffic snarls for residents just trying to get to work.
With a commute of just a few miles taking hours, residents have turned to social media to vent their frustration.
“I'll be happy when the US Open is over,” said Kristina Gale “I saw a video this week of a guy in Germany floating down the river to work. I wish I could do that!”
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Gail 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 almost unthinkable for the week.
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According to Southampton Police Lt. Susan Ralph, traffic was heavy on Montauk Highway due to people avoiding Sunrise Highway.
Southampton Police have asked all taxi services to use the designated drop-off area on Montauk Highway to drop off passengers.
“Stop using County Road 39 as it is extremely dangerous for commuters to walk along County Road 39 to walk across four lanes of traffic,” a statement said.
Also, police said motorists are encouraged to use Sunrise Highway, or NYS Route 27, Montauk Highway, County Route 80 and County Road 39 during the week of the tournament, which runs through Sunday.
“The use of these roads will alleviate some traffic problems,” the police said.
This is the fifth time the championship has been hosted at the historic Shinnecock Hills Golf Glub in Southampton.
The golf tournament, which has brought more than 550 jobs to the area, is expected to generate $120 million to $130 million in economic impact for the area, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said. The analysis, he said, is based on the 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 US Open Championship is packed with opportunities for fans to experience the excitement.
For the first time, fans get a front-row seat to live USGA video interviews on US Open Live, with special guests including 2003 US Open champion Jim Furyk and 2012 US Open champion Webb Simpson, NFL quarterback Joe Theismann and NY Knicks player Ron Baker. Look for the US Open Live stage overlooking Fan Central for a chance to take a look.
The US 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 championship moment, including the 118th US Open sculpture located in Fan Central.
Additionally, fans looking to get 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. he said.
Fans can purchase official 118th US Open merchandise in a 37,000-square-foot Main Merchandise Pavilion, which includes more than 400,000 items with the US Open logo. “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 in Shinnecock Hills.
On Monday, the USGA kicked off with an opening ceremony at the US Open Live at Fan Central.
Tuesday, June 12 marks #LoveGolf Day at the US 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 through 13. Eight-time USGA champion Jack Nicklaus will serve as an honorary initiator for the exhibition. The event at 4:45 p.m. combines the 2017 USGA Champions as two-player teams and is open to all fans who will attend Tuesday's practice rounds.
On Wednesday, June 13, young golfers are invited to participate in Youth Day. From 8 am to 2 p.m., youth 18 and younger can practice their skills, have fun at the LPGA/USGA Girls Golf play station and learn about the scientific principles that affect the game of golf. All juniors will be able to track each activity on a free 'score card' which can be redeemed for a prize in the Merchandise Pavilion throughout the day. Juniors interested in participating are asked to register: US Open Junior Day.
On Thursday, June 14, Flag Day will be observed with an official flag raising by the United States Coast Guard from Station Shinnecock. A special ceremony honoring the military will be held on the first tee before the first tee shot of the championship at 6:45 am. All fans will receive a flag pin.
On Sunday, June 17, fans can celebrate Father's Day by sending digital US Open cards from stations located near Top of the Hill and Fan Central, as well as photo opportunities in a life-size Father's Day photo frame located near the 16th tee. Free commemorative Father's Day pins will be distributed to all fans attending the US Open on Sunday. The USGA Fan Clubhouse will encourage the use of the hashtag #honortheone to recognize individuals who have demonstrated and shared their love of the game.
Find out before you go
A complete list of activities and information US Open fans need to prepare for the US Open, including parking, security, events, viewing the championship and more, can be found here and on the official US Open app for cell phones. The app is available through iTunes and Google Play.
For a full summary of what you need to know, click here.
Patch photo by Lisa Finn.
Video courtesy of Kristina Gale.
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