Feasibility Study on Merion

[Craig_Rokke]

If any of you Phila area guys remember how the parking and lodging fared back in 1981? (Are many hotels usually needed for an Open?) I would think both would be a concern come 2010 or so. The Eastern Main Line doesn't have much in the way of open space for parking, and most hotels are either in Center City, or 40-45 minutes further out into the suburbs.

[TEPaul]

Craig:

Lodging really isn't that big a problem. Much better now than in 1981.

But the parking and transportation problem would be far worse than in 1981. Most of the parking in 1981 was on the west course and people were transported from there! I suppose they'd have to do that again and it would be much harder in the future than 1981!

[Rich Goodale (Guest)]

Patrick

I DID use the word "assume."  As a great scholar once said, "I might be wrong."

Vis a vis hard questions, you should know that I sleep with a highly qualified Physicist (who can also spell), and she informs me that the word is "azimuthal" not "azumuthal."  She is my "Call a Friend" lifeline and is a disciple of Curious JJ when challenged on sub-atomic particle issues:  "Bring it on Geek!" is her battle cry.

Craig

My understanding is that since the USGA is going to have to raise ticket prices at the Merion Open susbtantially to allow for the lower numbers, Tom Paul has generously agreed to allow 5-10,000 of the spectators to pitch tents on his farm to spare them the cost of hotels.  As an ancillary benefit, I hear he will be selecting the most interestingly human-modified campsites as bunkers and swales for his to-be-constructed private golf course.

[Rich Goodale (Guest)]

Well, Tom, since Josie's Masters was at Penn, she's probably not THAT highly qualified, but she can still do a fast Fourier transformation with the best of them.

PS--do not try this at home!

[Rich Goodale (Guest)]

Tom

In the hands of a skilled operator, it is over so quickly (hence the word "fast") you hardly notice it has occurred.