Just got invited to the US Open (as a spectator, I should add)

[bobbydacron]

I just got an invite to the US Open at Bethpage by a vendor. There is a hospitality tent etc for us to have breakfast , dinner etc in. I need some advice as (a) This is the first tournament I have ever gone to, & (b) I have no idea what I'm supposed to do. So I need some advice.
I understand the etiquette of not having a cell phone/ blackberry/ camera etc. However, once there do I follow the pack, do I sit at one hole and see everyone come through, If I try to follow Tiger will I be disappointed because it will be jammed packed.

Am I obligated to hang out with my vendor all day, or can I do the "Hi" thing and then disappear to catch up later. Lastly, weather permitting, do I hang out at the course all morning and afternoon, is the food on the course itself.

i'm sorry for asking what may seem to be dumb questions, but I am really a newbie here taht has fallen in love with the game. Any tips on how to make the most of the day and enjoy myself.

Thanks everyone
Bobby

[soup]

I just got an invite to the US Open at Bethpage by a vendor. There is a hospitality tent etc for us to have breakfast , dinner etc in. I need some advice as (a) This is the first tournament I have ever gone to, & (b) I have no idea what I'm supposed to do. So I need some advice.

Don't worry about cell phones/BlackBerries - they're not allowed in. Security is relatively tight and if you bring one to The Black, you'll have to check it and pick it up on the way out. As for your vendor - I would take the approach of seeing what their plan is for the day when you get to the course. Of course, I'm sure you will want to spend some time with them as you are their guest. However, I don't think it would be inappropriate to say, "This is my first time here, I'm going to go explore some of the course. Can I meet you back here in an hour or two?" As for tracking Tiger - the name of the game is staying ahead of his group. If you jump ahead three holes from where he is, you should be able to get a great spot close to a green or a tee box. If you want an upclose look at some point - plant yourself on the green where the players walk from that green to the next tee - he'll have to walk right by you. I have my own little plan that I used in 2002 at Bethpage to watch Tiger - I went right to the 2nd green prior to him teeing off on the first hole. Was able to see him make a birdie putt upclose and then his tee shot on the 3rd. I then moved to the 5th green and caught him there - because of the way Bethpage is setup (7, 8 and 9 are a long way out), I went to the 10th green and saw his play there and the 11th tee shot. If you jump about 3 holes ahead of him, you'll be able to get good viewing spots. As for the food - depends on what "club" your vendor is in. The "Trophy Club" is a huge tent, air conditioned, TVs, tables etc - but you pay for the food and drink. There are corporate tents where it is a similar setup and the food and drink is free. There are concession stands all over the course, as well as bathrooms. If you're looking for a spot to camp out - the stands behind the 15th tee are right on top of that tee box and right next to the 16th green - lots of action to be seen from your seat. The second best spot, in my opinion, is the stadium they have setup on 17. Bring an umbrella, a waterproof windbreaker if you have one - and I would go with shorts if you don't have rain pants. Also, wear golf shoes if you have them - the spikes will help with the wet grass and the hills. And bring an umbrella. Have a great time.