2009 U.S. Open Concludes On Monday

Gambling News - June 22, 2009 - Written by Jimmy

As you probably already know, the 4th round of the U.S. Open did not conclude yesterday, as originally scheduled. Instead, the World's best will take to Bethpage Black, one more time, on Monday. The Open was delayed on Thursday, as well as at the end of Saturday, due to torrential rains. All in all, the delays have taken some of the buzz away from the Open, drawing it out, taking away from the Championship feel of the event.

As we enter Monday, the weather in Farmingdale, NY looks to be acceptable. There is a minuscule chance of rain throughout the morning. However, as they enter the afternoon, the chance of showers increases to about 30%, around 2pm EDT. The players will be treated to high 60's and mid 70's temperatures, through the duration of the round.

Looking at the weather, we should be in good shape to see the conclusion of the 2009 U.S. Open, on Monday. However, that all depends on the players. Should we have a tie today, at the end of the 72nd hole, as per USGA rules, the tied competitors would enter an 18 hole playoff. Normally, when the tournament concludes on Sunday, the playoff would take place on the following Monday. We saw this scenario last year as Tiger Woods and Rocco Mediate went extra holes, at Torrey Pines, in the 2008 U.S. Open. With the altered schedule this year, tied competitors would enter the playoff, right after the conclusion of their final round, which would still be Monday.

Thursday's patrons will be glad to know that they have a ticket, to sit in on the conclusion of the '09 Open. Previously, it was stated that Thursday ticket holders would not be issued a refund, nor would they be able to use their tickets for other days of the event. Since then, the USGA has backed off that stance and stated that anyone holding a Thursday/First Round ticket, would be allowed to watch, on Monday, provided that the event was still going on. Well, the event is still playing, and now those First Round tickets are like gold.

Spending Monday, at the U.S. Open, is not a bad way to begin your week, provided that you can attend. If you can't attend, and you are lucky enough to have free time, you can catch live coverage, beginning at 9am EDT, on ESPN, til 11:30am EDT, then NBC will pick up coverage, until the conclusion of the tournament.