The 2002 U.S. Open was one of the greatest debuts in golf history. Bethpage
Black’s introduction to the world ranks right up there with Francis Ouimet
at the 1913 U.S. Open, the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island’s hosting of the
1991 Ryder Cup and Tiger Woods’ 12-shot victory at the 1997 Masters in his
first major as a professional.
Although Woods won his second U.S. Open at Bethpage and the clear fan
favorite was runner-up Phil Mickelson, the real star was the A.W.
Tillinghast layout, which had undergone a Cinderella-like transformation
from scruffy muni into an immaculately conditioned test.
Given how well Bethpage functioned as a U.S. Open site—the course, location,
logistics, spectators—it was no surprise that the USGA returned to Bethpage
just seven years later. Which means that many of the holes are still vivid
in our memories.
As you watch the Open this week, keep in mind the following list in which we
rank each hole on the Black. These are the holes that will produce heroic
shots or spectacular disappointments over the next four days. Start your
tour by clicking on the link below.
>> Best hole: No. 4
