Some basic rules
Suggestions before you head out to the course: 1) Wear comfortable shoes. 2) Wear a cap. 3) Dress casually but tastefully. 4) Use sunscreen. 5) Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids. Also don’t heckle, applaud when warranted and respect the best players in the world.
7 things to know
Things you should know before heading out to Olympia Fields:
– No tickets available. This tournament has been sold out for months. Check Tribune classifieds ads or eBay.
– No backpacks because of security.
– No coolers.
– No folding lawn chairs or large bags.
– No cameras. Don’t even think about sneaking a snapshot of Tiger Woods.
– No autographs. It’s a U.S. Open policy, so don’t bother hanging around the locker-room door.
– No cell phones. They are prohibited. Olympia Fields has public phones.
In case of rain
You are allowed to bring in an umbrella. In fact, they’re usually a big Open seller.
How to view the action
There are two schools of golf spectating. One is to walk around the course, following your favorite players hole to hole. The other is to find a good spot, stay there and watch everyone play the same hole. Among the best spots:
– The bleachers behind the 12th allow a view of the 458-yard hole, certain to include treacherous downhill putts.
– Behind the par-3 15th hole, not only can you see the pros fire at the pin of the 187-yard hole, you can catch a fairway shot on the 16th from the south stands.
– Short-game aficionados might enjoy the bleachers behind the 17th, a 247-yard par-3. You also are close to the 18th and second tees and the 10th green.
Accessibility
The Open is wheelchair-accessible. Call 708-441-2003 for information.
Driving and parking
Olympia Fields Country Club is in the south suburbs about 20 miles from the Loop right off Interstate Highway 57. Use Exit 340B (Lincoln Highway West). Drive about 2 miles to Manheim’s Greater Chicago Auto Auction, the general parking area. Shuttle sevice is provided. There will be no general spectator parking at Olympia Fields.
Taking the train
An option for fans coming from the north is Metra. Olympia Fields has a train stop a wedge shot from the first tee.
Saturday: Trains will run from Randolph Street Station to and from Olympia Fields, starting at 5:15 a.m. with stops at Van Buren Street, Roosevelt Road, McCormick Place, 59th Street and Kensington. Trains from Olympia Fields to Randolph Street leave at 2:07 p.m., with the last train leaving at 7:50 p.m.
Sunday: First train leaves Randolph at 6:30 a.m. and the last is at 10:50 a.m. The return trip to downtown starts at 3:59 p.m., with last train leaving at 7:59 p.m.
Tickets: Should be purchased at the station. Full train schedule can be seen at: www.metrarail.com
