Beginning June 18th, the attention of the golf world will be squarely fixed on the 109th US Open Championship and its venue, Bethpage Black in New York.

In 2002, Bethpage became the first public golf course to ever host a US Open. Since its debut in 2002, the USGA implemented modifications to the course to address players' concerns. A major cause for agony was the deep rough immediately off the fairway that was penal and without graduation.

Add to this, fairways off the tee that were barely reachable on holes 5, 10, and 12. In aggregate, these diabolical elements in 2002 were considered extreme even for a US Open setup.

Mike Davis, the USGA's director of rules and competition, said, "The things that guys really didn't like in *02, I think for the most part have been changed," acknowledging valid concerns and reaction thereafter.

Even with these changes, there is still little refuge at Bethpage Black.

The course is 212 yards longer than it played in 2002, at 7,426 yards (par 70). To say there are some long holes is a pure understatement. It will probably not feel like Bethpage Black but "Deathpage Black" to a player like American Brandt Snedeker, who is 186th in driving distance on the PGA Tour.

There are three par 4s that are more than 500 yards long. Chief among these, the 7th hole at 525 yards, (longest par 4 in US Open history) slightly longer than even the par 5, 4th hole at 515 yards. And please add the requisite slick greens for measure, without which no US Open course layout is ever complete.

"Only the most daring souls need attempt!" should read the sign that greets the contenders read for this year's US Open.

In the end, there will be but one man who will be crowned champion of the year's second major. As with all major championships, the usual unsuspecting toll of nerves will be frayed along the way.

The 156 cast of characters includes the top 50 players in the world. Tiger Woods is coming off a less-than-splendid performance at the Player's Championship, where Alex Cejka all but surrendered the championship to him.

However, Tiger just could not put it together and ended up tied for sixth. His play has been inconsistent at best, with a tie for eighth at the year's first major, the Masters.

Oh, yes, a "minor" footnote not to be neglected, Tiger happens to be the only man who has won a US Open at Bethpage. Will he capture his 15th major? We shall see.

Other players who are peeking include Zach Johnson (two wins in 2009) from the US and winner of the Masters in 2007.

However, Bethpage's length could prove formidable as Johnson is 124th in driving distance on the Tour. Phil Mickleson will play, considering the recent and unfortunate revelation that his wife is battling breast cancer.

Noteworthy contenders include Padraig Harrington of Ireland, reigning Player's champion Henrik Stenson of Sweden, 2009 Masters winner Angel Cabrera of Argentina, as well as Retief Goosen of South Africa, the last man to win a US Open on Long Island, New York, in 2004.

Geoff Ogilvy once again leads the Australian contingent, seeking his second US Open title. The Asians will be represented by J. Singh (India), Imada, Kai, Katayama, Yano and Yokoo (Japan), Bae and Choi (Korea) and Que (Philippines).

My "dark horse" picks for winning the championship include Sean O'Hair (US), Tim Clark (South Africa) and Ian Poulter (England). The young O'Hair with one victory has been a high achiever all year. Clark has a penchant for playing well at majors, and Poulter finished in solo second at the Player's Championship.

To paraphrase the introduction to a movie, "Winning the US Open to some players is not a matter of life and death, it's simply more important than that!"

The writer has extensive knowledge of the PGA Tour and its participating players. He can be reached at dhillond@bellsouth.net

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