Sports

Fans navigate muddy conditions, longer hours during day 2 of the U.S. Open

PLUM BOROUGH, Pa. — Play at the 116th U.S. Open Championship resumed at 7:30 a.m. Friday at Oakmont Country Club, but because of muddy conditions, spectator gates and parking lots didn’t open until a half-hour later.

The first round had three long weather delays on Thursday because of heavy rain and lightning. More rain overnight caused some schedule changers for golfers and headaches for fans.

“You gotta keep your head down,” said Zach Jones. “Make sure you don’t step into any puddles or anything like that.”

Zach Jones and his wife, Jackie Jones, came from Bethel Park to experience the U.S. Open in person, but they weren’t prepared to deal with the mud. They suggest anyone coming over the weekend bring rain boots to help keep their feet clean and dry.

Jackie Jones said, “It’s a little muddy, a little squishy. It keeps getting into my toes, but it’s OK. It’s worth it.”

Fans from all over came to Oakmont Country Club this weekend to watch the golfers. Some were there in 1994 and 2007 to witness previous major championships.

Jack Cameron is a first-timer. He’s visiting with his grandfather, who is a big golf fan.

“There’s a lot more going on than I thought,” Cameron said. “I didn’t realize there were so many different people playing at so many different holes. It really pays to be sitting in the grandstands.”

Later in the day, the sunshine and warmer temperatures started to help the conditions.

Ben Elwood said, “They’re drying up a little bit out there. It’s a little muddy out there on the pathway. If you try to stay on the mulch, you’ll be good.”

Golf will extend later into the night Friday to make up for Thursday’s suspension of play.