I still have a US Open Hangover and I’m probably not alone. (Unfortunately it’s not because I was drinking my liver to death with the rest of the crowd.) Personally, I had an amazing experience at Bethpage last week. I was there bright and early on Day 1 of the practice round through the very end on the following Monday when Lucas Glover was presented the trophy. I only missed Saturday. You might say it was a little extreme for me to go seven of eight days. Perhaps it was. But I was presented with the opportunity and I didn’t want to miss a second of it. (Speaking of which, a huge thank you to Billy Rodgers, Tim Flaherty and Ryan Moore.) How often is the US Open practically held in your backyard? (OK, 3 years ago at Winged Foot.) And at a course like Bethpage Black, no less.

I became pretty familiar with the golf course. From Day 1, I understood why the course was dubbed a “beast.” I felt like I was on a rigorous hike every day. I’ll throw it out there and say I walked at least 5 miles a day. I tend to bounce around quite a bit, in that I’ll watch the players practice, follow a few groups for several holes and eventually grab a seat in the grandstand.

The only downside of being at the tournament was that I missed some of the key shots or facts shown via the TV coverage. However, I was able to observe from a different point of view. I tried my best to pay attention to course management strategies and to actually learn the course set up firsthand. And I got to watch the players that don’t get much air time or just the guys that weren’t near the top of the leaderboard but playing excellent golf.

Best of all, I caught some of the “off-air” action. I got a glimpse of their personalities just by watching them practice and interact. After the first round, I expected to see the “don’t talk to me, don’t come near me” Tiger. But I watched him on the practice green chatting and joking with Francesco Molinari, who was basically hovering over him as he worked on his 10 footers. I also saw Sergio greet two ladies on the 10th hole on Sunday. I wondered if he had flown them out on his private jet. Well, it looks like he finally figured out how to get over Morgan-Leigh. Then there was the witty banter between the fans, the players and the cops - it wasn’t just dumb drunks making abrasive remarks.

I braved the rain, delays, mud, crowds and drunks. I came home every day with mud caked up to my knees. My sneakers and golf shoes have both seen the washing machine twice - as have my rain gear and jeans. But it was well worth it. With all that said, it was a privilege to be there. Thank you, Bethpage, the USGA, the volunteers, grounds crew, players and other fans.

Ryan Moore might not look like your average PGA Tour golfer. By that, I mean he doesn’t have logos plastered all over his golf bag or clothes. And it’s by choice. He was sponsored by Ping (among others) until he made the decision to drop them this season. I’ll take a leap and say he’s giving up a good sum of money.

When I spoke with him last week, he mentioned casually that he didn’t have sponsors. He said something like, “Look at my bag, it’s just something I picked out.” It’s green and blue and the only inscription is his name. Along with that, he can play with the golf clubs he so desires - right now they are Ping irons and 3W, a Titleist putter, an Adams hybrid and driver. The only “new” part of his equipment is the head of the driver.

Then there are his clothes. He gestured at them and said, “Right now [the shirt] is from American Apparel and [the pants] are from Urban Outfitters.” What about the hat? “It’s from a company called Goorin based in San Francisco.” His tattered “sneakers” are not skater shoes (as I heard many people dub at Bethpage). They are Puma Hoppers and, for the record, they DO have spikes. He’s not trying to make a cliche statement - he just wears what he feels comfortable sporting - which includes a beard.

He explained, “I wanted to just play golf again.” OH SNAP. How many touring pros can say the same? I’ll go with none - at least that I know of. Raise your hand if you find that admirable. «Both hands raised»

Last Wednesday I asked him how he thought the obnoxious and vocal New York galleries would react to his casual, slightly disheveled appearance. He shrugged and said, “I know I’m going to get ridiculed for how I look and what I’m wearing, but it doesn’t bother me.” Indeed, the spectators made countless remarks. They sneered things like, “That guy is a golfer? He looks like a truck driver!”

So go ahead, judge him. But he’s comfortable with who he is and that speaks volumes about his character. In the end, only the results count and it seems his philosophy is starting to work pretty darn well - Ryan shot two-over-par and finished T10 at the US Open. I wasn’t surprised…at all. He told me before the tournament began, “Something just clicked last week and made me feel like I used to. It just fell into place.” I took his word and picked him as one of my sleepers (thanks for making me look smart, Ryan).

Though he doesn’t have his first win on Tour yet, I have a feeling it’ll come soon. Perhaps even at the Travelers Championship in Hartford this week.

Say it ain’t so! Lucas Glover, the 2009 U.S. Open Champion, wasn’t exactly who most expected or wanted to see at the top of the leaderboard upon completion of play. Then again, it was a peculiar five days, or as some called it, the “never-ending” Open - one that many were glad to see finally come to a close.

Ricky “Ticking Time Bomb” Barnes began the final round with a one stroke lead over Glover. I won’t say that he choked per se. Glover was the deserving winner. He outlasted the rest and played the best for 72 holes.

But unfortunately, well, to say it as nicely as possible, Barnes didn’t bring his A game or for that matter, his B game. Blame it somewhat on nerves, inexperience or this fickle game called golf - whichever you’d like.

It was a shame to see Barnes unravel - he jumped on the bogey train early and couldn’t stop ‘til he reached the 13th hole. Perhaps a funny way to compare it to would be this excerpt from The Royal Tenenbaums:

Tennis Announcer 1: That’s 72 unforced errors for Richie Tenenbaum. He’s playing the worst tennis of his life. What’s he feeling right now?
Tennis Announcer 2: I don’t know, Jim. There’s obviously something wrong with him. He’s taken off his shoes and one of his socks and… actually, I think he’s crying.

We can fill in the blanks for how he probably felt. But, he sure didn’t cry. In fact, he did just the opposite - he was still all smiles at the end of the day. He looked genuinely sincere when he congratulated Glover on the 18th green and also during the trophy presentation. He didn’t try to make any excuses. Instead, he stayed positive about how he played overall. Now that’s what I call sportsmanship.

In my mind, Barnes walked away just as much of a winner as Glover. Hats off to both.

[photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images]

Over the past few weeks, Ian Poulter has been an absolute Twitter addict. I’d say it started during the NBA Finals when he tweeted a picture of Hulk’s hairpiece at Game 4 of the Magic vs. Lakers series.

The U.S. Open rolled around and you could say he stepped it up. During his practice rounds, he showed how tough Bethpage Black was set up here and here. He told us how the 18th hole was playing. He gave us a glimpse of his yardage and green books and his biggest fan.

He kept us updated during Thursday’s wash-out. How did they putt on those greens? Not very well. And he informed us about what the U.S.G.A. was telling the players while play was delayed. He sounded a tad frustrated, but he was a riot - not to mention honest. It was true - personally, I couldn’t see how the players would get back on the course without a canoe and paddle either. (I understand that it was a tough call and I won’t get into that right now, but ultimately the right decision was made.) And in fact, it turned out that the grounds crew at Bethpage were magicians.

He showed us his popcorn at the movies and provided a rave review of Hangover - plus photos. The confusion and error over tee times. And his thoughts on the never-ending and strangest U.S. Open. I have a feeling that he was tired (understandably so).

Poults even had a little contest to give away two tickets for Sunday! He asked fans to send him a tweet and he’d pick the best one. I’m sure he received hundreds, if not thousands. And he even met the lucky winner. How many players would take the time to go out of their way to make such a kind gesture? At a major championship, no less! I’d say very few.

He had countless amazing updates that it’s difficult to say which was the most priceless. But if I had to pick, I’d say this one from Sunday takes the cake. I’m going to spell it out because it’s downright hilarious.

Perfect drive on 10th 235 yards to go into the wind. And that’s what you get… Perfect 3 wood straight right into bunker. It’s B#LL SH#T

That was the caption attached to the picture he took of his muddy ball during a tournament round! (To clarify, he waited to tweet it between rounds.) Say what? Did that actually happen or was he messing with us? Yes, it did. Is that even allowed? I mean, who cares -the guy has guts. I was laughing out loud (perhaps even ROTFL).

Some probably think he took it a little too far this week. Maybe he did, but I enjoyed his coverage of the tournament. I was already a fan, but now I’m a huge one. I’m sure the same goes for many others. We caught a glimpse of his vibrant personality (if you couldn’t already see from his choice of clothes). Most of all, he gave us a real look inside the ropes.

It’s like we were there! Congrats on the low round of the day with a 67, Poults! And keep it up - the play and the tweeting.

Take a gander at the U.S. Open leaderboard. So far, it’s not what most expected to see - but no doubt there are plenty of interesting story lines. Mike Weir shot 64 with a double-bogey in the first round and Lucas Glover matched it in his second round. Ricky Barnes set the U.S. Open scoring record with an 8-under-par 132. David Duval has surprised everyone firing three-under-par and T4 at the moment. Tiger Woods, the clear favorite to win when the week began, is eleven shots back from the lead.

But, the story of the day goes to “that kid” Nick Taylor. The 21-year-old University of Washington senior shot 5-under-par 65 in his second round at Bethpage Black for a two round total of two-under-par. That’s only the third 65 carded by an amateur in the history of the U.S. Open! Going into the third round, he’s T7. It goes without saying that’s really good. (He’s making me sound like a genius.)

Consider the circumstances. There’s the weather. There’s the intimidation factor that comes with competing at a major championship - not to mention, held at Bethpage. You have to be mentally and physically strong, composed and patient. Nick shows that he has what it takes - you can tell just by watching him play and talking to him. When I spoke with him on Monday, I mentioned that he seemed level-headed while he was practicing and asked if that were usually the case. He replied, “I’m low key and level emotionally. I don’t get too excited or down.”

Now, this isn’t his first experience playing at the U.S. Open. Last year, he qualified for it at Torrey Pines, but missed the cut by three shots. The sometimes rowdy New York crowds don’t seem to bother him either. In fact, they appear to encourage him, “[The galleries] are going to be crazy and fun - a lot more entertaining than San Diego.”

Yesterday was a long day for those that played both in the morning and afternoon. Not wanting to bother him, I thought I’d just send him a quick text saying good job. I was surprised when he immediately responded, “Thanks, so tiring.” Then, I decided to ask the obvious question we would all want to know, “What’s working for you?” His simple reply was,  “I drove the ball great and made a lot of putts in the afternoon.” He sure did - he hit 75% of fairways and made seven birdies in his second round, one which resulted from holing out a bunker shot on the 14th hole - his last shot on Friday!

Tremendous is just one word to describe Nick’s play - especially when you remember he is still an amateur. And it was only Monday when he said, “It’s cool to play with the rest of these guys when I’m not even on the PGA Tour or a pro - I get a preview of what it’s like to play in a major.”

With what will likely be two more intense rounds of golf on the horizon, he seems poised enough to hang with the big boys and finish with one of the more memorable amateur performances in recent U.S. Open history.

At the U.S. Open, American Express is providing programs and benefits for cardmembers and fans. In the Championship Experience Tent, which is near the main entrance (on the left when you’re walking in), there are some very cool activities in the facility.

First, there’s the Complimentary Swing Analysis, where cameras capture your swing. A PGA pro analyzes it and gives you a ten minute private lesson. I had one on Wednesday, and it was great, well, except my swing looked terrible.

There’s also the Player Tracking and Viewing Area that was created for an indoor spectator experience. I’m sure it was packed yesterday; that is, before play was suspended and probably after while many fans waited around for hours to see when it would resume.

American Express never ceases to impress with the benefits and service provided to its cardmembers. If you are one, you can borrow CourseCast TV and Radios (pictured above). The TVs also provide radio service via Sirius XM to listen to the play-by-play commentary and updates.

When you’re anywhere on the golf course, the hand-held televisions deliver live telecast of the tournament and player info. It shows you where the players are at ALL times - it’s perfect for stalking figuring out their status, like which hole they’re on or if they’re practicing. No, seriously, it is helpful. I had trouble sometimes finding the guys that I wanted to follow because the course is huge and you just can’t always estimate which hole they’re playing.

Oh, here’s my favorite part - you can get your picture taken in front of a replica of Bethpage Black’s famous sign: “WARNING: The Black Course Is An Extremely Difficult Course Which We Recommend For Highly Skilled Golfers.”

Stop by the tent and check it out. It’s worth your time.

IMPORTANT UPDATE (SATURDAY AM): I borrowed one of the handheld TVs on Friday, and indeed it enhanced the viewer experience. I was able to check the leaderboard throughout the day to keep track of what was happening. Several times I saw that a player was making a move, so I went to follow the group. It was a similar story with the TV coverage - I could watch without listening to the enlightening commentary while I was also checking out the action on the course and practice areas. But I could put on the headphones and listen if I chose. It was like I was two places at once! So if you’re at Bethpage on Sunday (and very possibly Monday), go to the AmEX tent to try one.

Here’s the first hole at Bethpage Black in “Round” One of the U.S. Open aka “Woodstock for golfers” or “The Great Flood.”

The picture says it all. I don’t have to tell you that it was painful and conditions were impossible. You’ve either heard it or caught the highlights on Sportscenter already. Better yet, you’re following Ian Poulter on Twitter and got the play-by-play from him. If you’re not, I recommend that you start now. The guy gets funnier by the minute and tells it likes it is.

At noon, I didn’t think there was any chance that the course could be playable. The greens were completely under water. There were streams running through the fairways, the walkways - you name it. By the end of the day, a better word for “puddles” would have been “marshes.” Speaking of which, hitting it in the fairway for the players is now more crucial than ever. Um, can anyone say, “ground under water?” I’ll be really, really impressed by guys that make par after an errant tee shot a la Tiger on the first hole of the tournament.

I am stupid, make poor decisions and stayed at the course until play was officially called around 2PM. Since I was already there, I tried to make light of the situation, which was obviously making fun of it (and myself).  I came prepared wearing golf shoes, rain gear and armed with an oversized umbrella! My friend Ray and I walked around for probably three hours (I know, we’re such troopers), entertaining ourselves with how absurd the whole thing was. I mean, we were willingly at a GOLF COURSE in the torrential downpour - one that was outside, no less. Enough said.

Nature: 1, Bethpage: 0.

Well, there’s still Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday…

Bethpage Black is playing really long and the lay-out is really tough. Get out of here! I haven’t heard anyone say that…in, like, the last two minutes.

I can’t disagree with either of those descriptions. I mean, the course initimidates me just walking it! That’s also what makes it so amazing. And it’s also why the players that are the most patient and mentally tough will prevail. You can say that applies all the time and indeed it does, but especially at Bethpage and even more so because of the wet conditions.

After three days in a row walking the course and watching the players practice, I noticed that most of the guys are hitting it more or less in the same place - generally speaking, that is. And since the course is soggy the players were only getting about a 5 yard roll on their drives. The guys that hit it high will have a huge advantage, but if they also bomb it off the tee, that won’t hurt either.

The rough sucks, but apparently it’s more reasonable than it was in 2002. You can still hit a 7 iron and reach the green (that is, according to Ryan Moore as of Wednesday evening). Around the greens, the rough is inconsistent because it’s patchy from the wet weather.

The fact of that matter is that there’s nothing easy about the course. And…as predicted, it’s already started to rain (around 1AM)…no, it’s pouring. Bethpage the Beast + Soggy Conditions = Nightmare.

Press the panic button. Right. Now.

At least for some of the players. I don’t imagine to see too many red numbers today.  But the advantage goes to the players with morning tee times, which includes the likes of Tiger Woods, Angel Cabrera, Geoff Ogilvy, et al. - in tough conditions, they can hit it long and high and stick it tight.

Geoff Ogilvy: He’s my top pick. Why? You’ll have to go to the “Official” U.S. Open Bloggers Picks over at Dogs That Chase Cards. Do it. Now!

Tiger Woods: Do I even need to say more? It’s pretty much him against the rest of the field, right? I’d say the odds are good. He won this tournament here in 2002. He’s hitting the ball well and I don’t have to tell you that he hits it long. I’ve also heard he’s confident.

Ian Poulter: He’s funny, clever and simply a cool guy. Follow him on Twitter and you’ll understand. Every time I saw him this week, he was laughing and having a good time Most importantly, he doesn’t seem the least intimidated by Bethpage and the weather condtions. He’s been playing well this season - he was runner-up at THE PLAYERS - and he has finished in the top ten four times in ‘09.

Sean O’Hair: He hits a lot of greens, in fact, the second most on Tour. He’ll be able to stick it tight and stay out of trouble. That’s all you need to know. Oh yeah, he won the Quail Hollow Championship last month and you could say he’s having a breakout season.

Phil Mickelson: It goes without saying that we’re all pulling for him (in case you’ve been living under a rock, his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer last month). He was the runner-up here in 2002 and almost staged a tremendous comeback against Tiger. He’s known to be well-liked by New Yorkers. You can bet that the crowds will be rooting for him louder than ever this week. But I’m not sure if he can keep it together for 72 holes under the circumstances. If he is even in contention on Sunday, I have a feeling there will be a lot of teary-eyed fans (myself included).

Nick Watney chipping on #17 at Bethpage Black on Tuesday.

Watney played a practice round with Stewart Cink and Steve Stricker. On the 17th hole, they threw down some balls to practice chips from the second cut of the rough. I could tell they weren’t easy shots and the balls were sitting down - the guys hit a few heavy or had trouble controlling the spin, but of course, there were some good ones mixed in there.

In the photo above, you can see the different cuts around the green. Like I said yesterday, if you miss the green and end up in the rough, players will have a tough time controlling the spin.

As of now, the forecast calls for rain Thursday through Saturday. It sounds like conditions will be soggy - which will make matters more grueling. We’re in for some drama this week.