Just when you thought soggy socks and a sore arm from carrying that umbrella for five hours was all the pain you'd go through at Bethpage Black, this news comes through.According to the USGA official website, tickets will not be refunded for Thursday's round. That's right, if you traveled to Bethpage to watch action on Thursday, you will not be allowed in another day because one player had hit one shot. Hey, that's policy.
Inclement Weather Ticket Policy
- If play has commenced (i.e., if one player has played his first shot), it is the policy of the USGA that tickets will not be refunded or exchanged for a later date.
- If play has not commenced at any time during the day for which the ticket was issued, ticket holders may use their ticket from the cancelled round for admission to the 2009 U.S. Open Championship on a later date.
Could this policy be more ridiculous? People travel from all over the world to watch a U.S. Open and just because someone hit a single shot, their ticket is void? I would like to blame this on Mother Nature but the USGA is at fault and they need to change this right now.
One reader, John, who has Saturday tickets, brought this point up and provided this scenario. "The killer for us is that we're coming from Philadelphia, maybe a 3-hour train ride. We're leaving at 7AM (well before play starts) and I have nightmares of getting there and finding out the round has been called off, so not only am I out the $400 I spent on tickets, I've wasted a whole day on trains to boot."
No reason for this. None whatsoever. In golf lingo, the term for a golfer being frustrated with his game or a certain shot is called "red-assed." Right now, if I was a Thursday ticket holder, that red color might be closely resembling lava.
Update: Decision was made, and there is zero percent chance you'd be allowed in with a Thursday ticket on Friday.
From the USGA website:
5:02 p.m. - Here is the decision about the (tickets):Friday Morning Update: During the USGA's coverage online, announcers let the audience know that if you had a Thursday ticket to the U.S. Open and the tournament rolls over to Monday, you'll be allowed entrance with your Thursday ticket stub. Hey, it's better than nothing.
Thursday tickets will not be refunded or exchanged.
Play will resume Friday at 7:30 a.m., weather permitting. Only Friday tickets will be accepted.
Ken
Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Its a bad policy especially for a sport that pays out millions to its winners.Like they couldnt afford to refund the money. I'd never buy a ticket because of it. But if you take the risk have nothing to complain about.
This is no surprise coming from the stuffy, self-important old farts who run the USGA. When it comes to complete arrogance, they are second only to the Masters Committee. Tiger has brought innumerable new fans to the game, while those two groups are trying their best to chase them away.
It's just the luck of the draw. I'd be mad, too, but more at myself than the USGA. It's like playing the game of golf itself, you gotta know the rules. You may not like them, but you must abide bt them.
delcoro, actually thats exactly what the policy says, though not as colorful as you've put it... so maybe you are the one who needs a refresher on the rules.
If the USGA would schedule the tournament where the sun shines every day they would not have this problem. Hint Hint, California!!
It's like that at tennis too - if you get two hours of tennis you don't get a refund. I spent thousands traveling to the Wimbledon semis and finals in 2000 and spent most of the week in the club house with no play. They did get the mens' final played - barely but the following year they didn't so on the Monday it was first come first served and even if you spent 1500 on a ticket like I did you r place was taken by someone with the stamina t sleep outdoors all night. However, I understand that they can't very well allow double the numbers on Day 2 when day i has been rained out!
The policy is ridiculous. People cannot afford to pay for something that they cannot see. I personally would insist on re entry and cause a helluva ruckus . F the USGA.
the usga allready has prepared planes for monday play incase of a tie.
play could easly be pushed back a day with round 1 continued on fri, and round 2 sat., but that would be the right thing to do for the fans who paid for the tickets, and who cares about them.
$300 to arrive at Bethpage,hear the horn,spend another $50 for 2 hamburgers and a beer in the Trophy Tent,while sitting around waiting to be told good-bye and don't come back. Don't worry-I never will. USGA should have pushed play through Tuesday if need be to let fans get their day in. Must be flush with cash and not need us.
Change your career, I play golf anywhere,go to any Tour,for free!
I find the "no refund policy" a lot easier to accept than the USGA's refusal to honor the ticket on a later day. That is patently unfair, and as a public relations matter, just plain stupid. They may rationalize their decision in any number of ways, but that's little more than mental masturbation. They deserve all the bad press they get on this one.
this is not a policy, its completely discretionary on their part. Read the actual terms and conditions online.
4. Postponement and Cancellation Policy.
(a) Ticket Holder acknowledges and agrees that (i) any and all decisions relating to a
cancellation and/or postponement of the Championship shall be made by the USGA,
in its sole discretion, and (ii) Ticket Holder shall adhere to such decisions in connection
with its obligations under this Agreement.
The following is part b of that provision of the contract, which essentially states that refunds will not be granted on-site. It does not say that the tickets are non-refundable. Nevertheless, it is in their discretion. Bottom line, if they play on monday they should allow every who went on thursday to attend the final round monday. After all it is discretionary.
There will be no on-site refunds for the cancelled Championship. Refunds, if
available, will be made by the USGA only to the Ticket Holder.
I think everyone with a Thursday ticket should show up Friday and demand admittance, storm the gate if necessary. I can't believe the local police would risk a riot by blocking the patrons from entering. And no local judge would hold a local resident at fault for expecting to be admitted. Everyone come to the main gate by 10AM, and will rush the gate. Most of the police are outside on the roads anyway. They may take away our golf, but they will never take away our FREEDOM!
Everyone with a Thursday ticket show up at the main gate at 10 AM, then we'll just all push our way in. Most of the police are out on the streets, not at the gates. In fact there is very little security there, certainly not enough to stop several hundred people intent on entering. Don't be pushed around. I'm mad as hell and I'm not gonna take it anymore.
Jump the fence at 15, theyre gonna need the national guard to stop 40,000 people from rushing. Truthfully, I don't think there is anything wrong with protesting and I think the media and the players will respond favorably. The best result would be if Tiger refused to play 36 holes tommorow and they played the final round monday. That way the USGA can redeem themselves.
Called the USGA today, spoke with 2 women said this is their policy. Just faxed a letter to Jim Vernon, President of the USGA and Governor Paterson will get it tomorrow. If they allowed Thursday ticket holders to go to Friday's round it would only mean more business for the the USGA and The State of NY. There are problably a lot of people who had tickets today that might not be able to go tomorrow. I see no reason for this decision, they need to make an exception here. The people in charge just don't get it.
i love how while you are there they keep you in the dark. it was after 2pm before word even started getting spread that play was officially called.
i was told by "information" on the way out to check the website for info.....they knew if they announced onsite to 40,000 new yorkers that they are getting screwed there wouldnt have been a course left to continue there precise open on.
Right On Happy Gilmore! I love it!
its there "policy"......
what does this mean?!?! can i rob people on the street, and when questioned say....its my policy. i wrote it down in a booklet, and on my website so it's all good....
the its my policy bs would never hold up in the real world not sure why they think saying it will help people feel better about getting screwed.