Scott Nye did a wonderful job, giving a 45+ minute presentation and graciously answering questions both before and after his presentation.
Here are some of the interesting things he mentioned, in answer to most of the questions above, including those from Jud:
Logistics
As most know, attendance will be limited to 25,000 per day. This US Open will have the majority of attendees in bleachers, which is a real departure from the recent US Opens. So the best viewing spot will depend on personal preference. Scott's expectation is that most folks will find a seat and stay there for the day.
Course Changes
Scott did acknowledge the course changes in his presentation, and noted that they were a balance between caring for a masterpiece and maintaining challenge. The fairways will be returned to their "strip of bacon" look, as opposed to a "cooked strip of bacon" for the US Open. #12 green will likely not be returned - as reconstructed, it has the requiste seven pinnable locations. It would have had three at USGA speeds. The stop sign on 14 will come down for the tournament. The wickers will be in place.
Difficulty
Scott thinks the winning score will be highly weather dependent. When asked, he thought weather could be a ten shot swing, with 6 under winning if it is dry and firm, and 15 or more under winning if it is wet with receptive greens. There will be no intermediate cut of rough, if I heard correctly.
Difficult holes
#3 due to the elasticity. It can play from 150 yards to 250 yards
#5 due to the fairway shaved down the left side into the hazard, plus a wild green
#11 due to the fairway landing area pushed left, which makes the approach shot a bit more awkward
#14 due to the 50 yards of added length and a drive perhaps aimed OB plus a green complex that is very well guarded and a highly contoured green
He thought that 7 - 10 would be the holes on which they could score if managed, which he defined as a controlled distance tee shot to create the ideal wedge shot in (except 9, obviously) Bausch collection photos are here for reference
PHOTOSInterestingly, he wasn't sure about 12, as he hasn't seen enough play on that green to appreciate how it would play to the field.
As for his duties during the tournament, they are minimal for tournament administration. His team will take care of the range and carts. And, of course, he will be one of the primary trouble shooters for when the unknown crops up.
Scott views the day after the tournament as one of the most important for this summer, in returning the course to the members and setting up to manage the full tee sheet expected for the balance of the season.
It was a really nice discussion and an exciting way to spend the first day of spring!