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Josh Tarble

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US Open/Merion/Philly Tips
« on: June 04, 2013, 11:54:53 AM »
Just found out that my wife and I are making a rather impromptu trip to Philly for the Open.  We've been to a few PGA Tour events before but never an Open and definitely never Merion. Rather than dig through all the Merion posts I was hoping I could get some direct advice from everyone here.   We're staying downtown in the historic district and will be there Friday and Saturday (Saturday at Merion) for reference. 

So a couple questions:

What's going to be the best way to get the course?..I'm a bit nervous with the parking situation so maybe the train is the way to go?

What will be the best spot to watch?  I'd like to see/walk most of the course but not sure if that will be an option.

Anything we should really make a point to see on the course?  I know most of the historical bits and have read through many course tours - but if we can only get to a few spots what should we definitely not miss?

Joe Bausch

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Re: US Open/Merion/Philly Tips
« Reply #1 on: June 04, 2013, 12:01:59 PM »
If you are downtown Josh then the train is the way to go, IMHO.

There are two ways to use the public transportation (SEPTA) to get to the tourney, and I recommend the Regional Rail line (The Paoli line; formerly known as the R5).  Take that from downtown to the Rosemont stop, where free buses will shuttle you to the course.

Here is an excellent site for all the details:

http://www.septa.org/events/usga.html
@jwbausch (for new photo albums)
The site for the Cobb's Creek project:  https://cobbscreek.org/
Nearly all Delaware Valley golf courses in photo albums: Bausch Collection

Dan Herrmann

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Re: US Open/Merion/Philly Tips
« Reply #2 on: June 04, 2013, 01:32:45 PM »
Another vote for the train. 

Josh - where will you be staying?

As far as spots to visit - get there early and walk as much as you can.  It's one of the world's best golf courses, and it reeks of history.  #11 is especially historic (Bob Jones' US Am victory wrapped up there).

There might be good seating up by the 4th green that allows you to see #9.   I also think the green stands on #14 might provide good viewing.

Ed Brzezowski

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Re: US Open/Merion/Philly Tips
« Reply #3 on: June 04, 2013, 02:07:32 PM »
The train is the only way to get there, ihmo. Just had a customer who lives around the course complaining about traffic and the police already.

You have got to take a stroll down 11 to see the green complex. Otherwise I would hang around 16 green. You get to see 14 green, 15 tee, 17 tee and second shots into 18. all within about 100 yards, should be prized viewing area.
We have a pool and a pond, the pond would be good for you.

Mark McKeever

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Re: US Open/Merion/Philly Tips
« Reply #4 on: June 04, 2013, 02:21:21 PM »
Take. The. Train.
Best MGA showers - Bayonne

"Dude, he's a total d***"

Josh Tarble

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Re: US Open/Merion/Philly Tips
« Reply #5 on: June 04, 2013, 02:45:02 PM »
Thanks for all the info so far, definitely keep it coming though....I was assuming the train would be the way to go.

Dan, we're staying at the Wyndham Historic District. 

Dan Herrmann

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Re: US Open/Merion/Philly Tips
« Reply #6 on: June 04, 2013, 02:46:13 PM »
If you're anywhere in the western suburbs, a drive to the Paoli train station is probably your best bet.  Exton has a large parking lot, but not every train goes out that far west.

Joe Bausch

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Re: US Open/Merion/Philly Tips
« Reply #7 on: June 04, 2013, 02:48:49 PM »
Thanks for all the info so far, definitely keep it coming though....I was assuming the train would be the way to go.

Dan, we're staying at the Wyndham Historic District. 

So you've got about a 8 or 9 block walk from your hotel to the Septa Market East station where you can pick up the Paoli line.
@jwbausch (for new photo albums)
The site for the Cobb's Creek project:  https://cobbscreek.org/
Nearly all Delaware Valley golf courses in photo albums: Bausch Collection

Bill Brightly

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Re: US Open/Merion/Philly Tips
« Reply #8 on: June 04, 2013, 02:50:59 PM »
Josh,

In case you missed it, this link was posted in a different Merion thread. I would definitely share it with your wife as it adds some nice non-golf background info.

And I would try to find a way to eat at Peppers cafe!

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/02/sports/golf/us-open-coming-to-merion-with-all-its-bells-and-whistles.html?pagewanted=1&_r=0&hpw


Joe Bausch

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Re: US Open/Merion/Philly Tips
« Reply #9 on: June 04, 2013, 02:54:08 PM »
Josh,

In case you missed it, this link was posted in a different Merion thread. I would definitely share it with your wife as it adds some nice non-golf background info.

And I would try to find a way to eat at Peppers cafe!

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/02/sports/golf/us-open-coming-to-merion-with-all-its-bells-and-whistles.html?pagewanted=1&_r=0&hpw



And go see my buddy Fran O'Brien at the famous Roache's and O'Brien's.  :-)
@jwbausch (for new photo albums)
The site for the Cobb's Creek project:  https://cobbscreek.org/
Nearly all Delaware Valley golf courses in photo albums: Bausch Collection

Powell Arms

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Re: US Open/Merion/Philly Tips
« Reply #10 on: June 04, 2013, 03:44:41 PM »
Josh,  17,000 of the spectators each day will be in grandstands, so I think t will be a challenge to get around and follow groups.

Some good spots to watch from the stands:

Grandstand behind 3rd Green & left of 4 tee
Rough right of 5 fairway and left of 2 fairway
Grandstand behind 7 green (see 7 approach  and 8 tee)
Grandstand behind 8 green ( see 8 approach and par three 9 behind)
Grandstand behind 14 green ( see 14, 15, 16, 18 )
Grandstand behind 18 tee (see 17 green )
grandstand behind 18 green

Bring binoculars
PowellArms@gmail.com
@PWArms

Dan Herrmann

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Re: US Open/Merion/Philly Tips
« Reply #11 on: June 04, 2013, 04:26:43 PM »
Kelly, From 422, you could get to the Norristown High Speed Light Rail and take that right to the club (I'm assuming it'll be running)

http://septa.org/service/highspeed/

Joe Bausch

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Re: US Open/Merion/Philly Tips
« Reply #12 on: June 04, 2013, 04:29:37 PM »
Kelly, From 422, you could get to the Norristown High Speed Light Rail and take that right to the club (I'm assuming it'll be running)

http://septa.org/service/highspeed/


This is the link for the best info KBM:

http://www.septa.org/events/usga.html
@jwbausch (for new photo albums)
The site for the Cobb's Creek project:  https://cobbscreek.org/
Nearly all Delaware Valley golf courses in photo albums: Bausch Collection

Howard Riefs

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: US Open/Merion/Philly Tips
« Reply #13 on: June 04, 2013, 06:11:42 PM »
You should definitely head to the American Express tent behind 16 tee to pick up a radio that has the XM feed and also a mini TV that has the NBC/ESPN feed. Both are free when you show your AMEX card. 

Course map:
http://www.usopen.com/en_US/champ_experience/spectator_guide.html#spectator_square
"Golf combines two favorite American pastimes: Taking long walks and hitting things with a stick."  ~P.J. O'Rourke

Wayne Wiggins, Jr.

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Re: US Open/Merion/Philly Tips
« Reply #14 on: June 04, 2013, 06:28:37 PM »
Kelly, From 422, you could get to the Norristown High Speed Light Rail and take that right to the club (I'm assuming it'll be running)

http://septa.org/service/highspeed/


This is the link for the best info KBM:

http://www.septa.org/events/usga.html

Joe, will the Villanova station on the Pissin' Whistle (i.e. Norristown hi-speed line) be open?  seems like those parking lots on Lancaster Ave would be ideal to park in and then catch the train down to Ardmore.

Joe Bausch

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Re: US Open/Merion/Philly Tips
« Reply #15 on: June 04, 2013, 06:32:40 PM »
Kelly, From 422, you could get to the Norristown High Speed Light Rail and take that right to the club (I'm assuming it'll be running)

http://septa.org/service/highspeed/


This is the link for the best info KBM:

http://www.septa.org/events/usga.html

Joe, will the Villanova station on the Pissin' Whistle (i.e. Norristown hi-speed line) be open?  seems like those parking lots on Lancaster Ave would be ideal to park in and then catch the train down to Ardmore.

Let me find out.  Those 30 or so spots are gold for sure.
@jwbausch (for new photo albums)
The site for the Cobb's Creek project:  https://cobbscreek.org/
Nearly all Delaware Valley golf courses in photo albums: Bausch Collection

mike_malone

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Re: US Open/Merion/Philly Tips
« Reply #16 on: June 04, 2013, 06:37:19 PM »
 If you like "artsy" movies you can walk to any of the 3 Ritz theatres from your hotel. They are now Landmark for googling. I will put in a shameless plug for Place beyond the Pines because my son in law wrote it.
AKA Mayday

Kevin_D

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Re: US Open/Merion/Philly Tips
« Reply #17 on: June 04, 2013, 07:02:48 PM »
Anyone staying near Wayne should hit up Joe's Place on Lancaster Ave for breakfast. Best sausage egg and cheese on the planet!

Joe Bausch

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Re: US Open/Merion/Philly Tips
« Reply #18 on: June 04, 2013, 07:10:25 PM »
Anyone staying near Wayne should hit up Joe's Place on Lancaster Ave for breakfast. Best sausage egg and cheese on the planet!

+size

 ;)
@jwbausch (for new photo albums)
The site for the Cobb's Creek project:  https://cobbscreek.org/
Nearly all Delaware Valley golf courses in photo albums: Bausch Collection

mike_beene

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Re: US Open/Merion/Philly Tips
« Reply #19 on: June 04, 2013, 07:22:39 PM »
Of I take the train up from DC Wednesday and get off at 30th street? And then what is easiest transfer? Is there a scalper place to pick up a practice round ticket near the course?Is buying by the course legal?

Wayne Wiggins, Jr.

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Re: US Open/Merion/Philly Tips
« Reply #20 on: June 04, 2013, 09:57:59 PM »
You'll be able to take the Regional Rail line (The Paoli line; formerly known as the R5), as Joe mentioned above.   

Dan Herrmann

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Re: US Open/Merion/Philly Tips
« Reply #21 on: June 04, 2013, 11:18:38 PM »
mike_bene - WW is right - you can transfer from Amtrak to SEPTA at the 30th Street Station. It's an easy walk - but check the schedules for the "Paoli-Thorndale" line.  You may find it easier to take the "Blue Line" (Frankford "EL") to 69th street station and transfer to the Norristown high speed light rail line (which ends up in Norristown at the other end).

Don't be afraid to ask when you get to the station - most people are happy to help.

Another must see:  http://www.philamuseum.org/exhibitions/782.html
Philadelphia Museum of Art:
The Art of Golf
March 16, 2013 - July 7, 2013
The Golfers (1847), an iconic work by Scottish painter Charles Lees (1800–1880), is the centerpiece of The Art of Golf, an exhibition celebrating what has been called “a game of considerable passion” on the occasion of the U.S. Open Championships, which will be played in June at the Merion Golf Club, in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. This installation explores the creation of Lees’s complex and ambitious masterpiece, bringing together related works, including sketches, a photograph, and an engraving, alongside golf equipment and clothing that illuminate the sport.

Modern golf’s roots can be traced to the east coast of Scotland, where kings and commoners have played the game since at least the fifteenth century. With the formation of golf societies, the establishment of rules, and the creation of annual competitions in the mid-eighteenth century, Scottish artists began depicting the sportsmanship and pleasures of the royal and ancient game. Lees’s monumental painting of fifty-four figures clustered tightly around a two-ball foursome match played on the links at St. Andrews is filled with accurate representations of celebrated golfers of the day as well as enthusiasts and authorities on the sport. Rich with descriptive details of costume and social customs, such as the young girl selling ginger beer refreshments to the crowd, the work is a tour de force of Victorian art.

Organizer
The Art of Golf is organized by the National Galleries of Scotland and the High Museum of Art. A larger presentation of the exhibition was shown at the High Museum of Art (February 5– June 24, 2012); Oklahoma City Museum of Art (July 19–October 7, 2012); and the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, Florida (November 3, 2012–February 17, 2013).

Curator
Jennifer Thompson, The Gloria and Jack Drosdick Associate Curator of European Painting and Sculpture before 1900 and the Rodin Museum
« Last Edit: June 05, 2013, 06:35:07 AM by Dan Herrmann »

John Burnes

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Re: US Open/Merion/Philly Tips
« Reply #22 on: June 05, 2013, 07:22:27 AM »
Josh,

You can walk around the block to Independence Hall where the USGA has setup a "golf experience" right there on the grounds:

http://www.uwishunu.com/2013/05/the-u-s-open-experience-coming-to-independence-mall-for-two-days-during-the-u-s-open-june-15-16-with-merchandise-putting-greens-a-live-tournament-simulcast-on-a-jumbotron-and-more/

Also, for American history taste, you can see the liberty bell, Independence Hall, which is the site of the Declaration and Constitution.  Also, the only building the US to house, at the same time, city capital, state capital, and US capital.

Lastly, Congress hall to the right, is significant, for among other things, the first peaceful transition of power (Washington to Adams), in World history, thus executing on the very documents drafted on this block.

In my opinion, the most significant building in our Country's history.

Bill Crane

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Re: US Open/Merion/Philly Tips
« Reply #23 on: June 05, 2013, 12:52:45 PM »
Looks like even coming from Central NJ it would make sense to go to Norristown High Speed versus go to the Blue lot in Chester (as suggested) and then shuttle up.  The train schedule shows only 20 minutes to Ardmore Avenue stop.

I am also concerned about how late the shuttle runs since I will probably end up at my friends house on Ardmore Ave by the club and the train will keep running.

Any know - is there plenty of parking in Norristown and is it basically safe there?
_________________________________________________________________
( s k a Wm Flynnfan }

Joe Bausch

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Re: US Open/Merion/Philly Tips
« Reply #24 on: June 05, 2013, 01:10:12 PM »
Except for a couple of hours each day, very early in the morning (~2 - 4 am), the R100 is running Bill.

And it is safe.   :)
@jwbausch (for new photo albums)
The site for the Cobb's Creek project:  https://cobbscreek.org/
Nearly all Delaware Valley golf courses in photo albums: Bausch Collection

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