Staff Writer Dan Hayes wrote on Jun 10, 2008 1:33 PM:And we're off. I'd say off and running but after busing in from Qualcomm Stadium I'd say it was more jogging. Some quick notes for bus riders. No cell phones. Also get to the Stadium early. I arrived there at 9 a.m. Monday and parked near where the buses left. I got there at 10:30 a.m. today and parked on the other side of the stadium. Once you get through security, it's a 30-minute ride.

Staff writer Dan Hayes wrote on Jun 10, 2008 1:36 PM:Sergio Garcia was in the interview room a while back and is feeling confident even though he hadn't yet seen the course. As for the difference in the course's condition from January to June: "We play early in the season and it's always a little wet." Garcia expects firmer greens and fairways that are dried out and thus running more. That should make it "tougher to control shots."
As for his thoughts on Tiger Woods and his knee, Garcia said: "It's like Big Brown with a crack ... still the favorite."

Staff writer Dan Hayes wrote on Jun 10, 2008 1:38 PM:Seen on the course. Chris Berman, wearing a Chargers cap, on No. 10 waiting for Phil Mickelson. Wonder if he gave him a nickname.

Staff writer Dan Hayes wrote on Jun 10, 2008 2:15 PM:Phil Mickelson, a four-time runner-up at the U.S. Open, likes the setup at Torrey Pines.
"This golf course gives me the best opportunity to do that. Winning this tournament will help me define my career. ... I love it. I just haven't gotten the love back."
Mickelson said he's scaled back his activities outside of the tournament in an attempt to "make sure my energy is up this week."

Loupediss wrote on Jun 10, 2008 2:43 PM:Sometimes-witty observations? Says, who? Danny? Heeyyyyy, nice! Keep up the good work.

Jerry wrote on Jun 10, 2008 3:24 PM:Here are some cheesy Bermanisms...
Phil 'Cut me Mick'-elson
Phil Mickelson dimed 'em
Phil-ling up the tank is so expensive with these gas prices! Mickelson

Staff writer Dan Hayes wrote on Jun 10, 2008 3:38 PM:Seeing as it's only practice rounds, I decided to stick my head into the U.S. Open Experience which is sponsored by a major credit card company ---- not like the ones I sell out of the back of my van.
Anyway, it's interesting to check out if you get a moment; it's on the right side of the first hole.
You can watch video highlights of great moments in USGA history, look at historical items from past U.S. Opens and take a USGA quiz. I took two of them on the advanced level and answered five of eight questions correctly, at which point the computer notified me that I'm a failure. But the real highlight of the room: best carpet at Torrey Pines. If you're tired after walking all day, your feet are sure to appreciate the thick gray carpet, which at this point, still has a good bounce to it. Not sure if it will be that way Sunday, but it's good right now.

Staff writer Dan Hayes wrote on Jun 10, 2008 3:50 PM:Just a quick observation about the merchandise pavilion on the first hole: I'm calling it The Mall. To call it a tent wouldn't give you an idea of how big it really is. It's a monstrosity. It's probably visible from space. And frankly, I'm scared of it. It frightens me how much money is being spent in there, probably only dwarfed by what most of you are spending at the gas pump. Street & Smith's Sports Business Journal estimated $15 million will be spent on U.S. Open merchandise over the course of this week.

CenterHere wrote on Jun 10, 2008 5:09 PM:Man Dan, you got it made, watching all the pro golfers. I can't believe this is the last year for Annika! C'mon! But that Lorea Ochea is great. Nice legs, too.

TheSaw wrote on Jun 10, 2008 6:24 PM:Man, I want to see Tiger so bad. He really turned the course upside during the Buick in January. The bus ride seems daunting. I got stuck in the back of the bus on a ride from Oakland to Santa Fe once. The smell, oh the smell.

playpar wrote on Jun 13, 2008 7:49 AM:I went to the tournament on thurs. from orange county and driving past the course to the stadium added an extra hour and twenty minutes to the commute not happy...