Bobby Jones stands out as one of the greatest amateur golfers in history, having been born on March 17, 1902, in Atlanta, Georgia. His early promise was evident when, at 14, he reached the third round of the U.S. Amateur. Jones went on to win 13 major championships, a feat unmatched by any amateur. In 1930, he achieved a remarkable milestone, completing golf’s first Grand Slam.
Wyndham Clark’s Experience at the U.S. Open
Wyndham Clark secured a six-shot lead at the U.S. Open after 54 holes. Despite this achievement, the sparse galleries and lack of atmosphere at Shinnecock Hills were evident on Saturday evening.
Shinnecock Hills, known for being one of the premier championship golf courses, poses significant logistical challenges due to its location on Long Island, New York. The course struggles with facilitating access for tens of thousands of fans.
Limited Crowds and Timing Issues
Throughout Saturday morning and early afternoon, crowds were engaged and vocal. However, as the final groups played, spectator energy dwindled significantly. Clark expressed regret over finishing amidst low visibility and minimal audience presence during key moments.
“It was kind of unfortunate that we’re finishing in the dark… it did kind of get a little flat,” Clark noted.
Clark remains hopeful for increased fan turnout on Sunday, underscoring the personal significance of the tournament despite the situation.
Transportation Challenges Affecting Fans
The USGA faced criticism for the sparse attendance on Saturday evening, partly due to the late tee time for the final pairing.
The majority of fans travel from New York City to Shinnecock, requiring the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) for access. The train journey, exceeding four hours with multiple stops, limited options, forcing many to catch early-evening trains to return home at a reasonable hour.
The LIRR provided extra trains but the journey’s length and timings posed a challenge. Fans aiming to reach Grand Central Station or Penn Station before 9 p.m. needed to board the 6:07 p.m. train from Shinnecock. The final return train departed at 9:30 p.m., arriving in the city after midnight.
Mark Harris reports for OutKick, highlighting these logistical concerns.