newbieboy
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From 18 holes to sudden death, playoff preferences a major debate
FARMINGDALE, N.Y. -- His accent was reminiscent of Tony Soprano. Hers a little more like Fran Drescher.
Between them, as it relates to the couple's passion for the U.S. Open, no interpreter was required and last year their volume was cranked up to 11. The five-day, 91-hole affair at Torrey Pines left them wanting -- and we're adding the New York inflection here -- moah, moah, moah.
"It was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen on TV," Larry Costello said. "The tension, the drama, the back story. It was epic."
It was an epicurean feast for millions, including Costello and his wife, avid sports fans who are on the grounds at Bethpage Black this week watching players as they go through their paces in preparation for the 109th U.S. Open.
The couple hails from a small Long Island hamlet called Bohemia, but there is nothing radical or unconventional about their views on the 19-hole Open playoff last year between Tiger Woods and Rocco Mediate. They speak of it in rapturous tones.
"Un-fuh-get-able," Stacy Costello said.
Woods has found a kindred spirit in the man with whom he is most associated, Jack Nicklaus. Likewise, Nicklaus always favored the 18-hole playoff and won his first professional title at the 1962 U.S. Open with a playoff victory over Arnold Palmer. Over the years, Nicklaus has evolved into an authority figure on the evolution within the game, and he would love for the USGA to stick to its guns on the 18-hole format. Others have capitulated to what are euphemistically called market influences (read: TV rights holders).
"I hope they keep that tradition," Nicklaus said. "Do I think it's the best for the interests of the game today, for television, the people? No, probably not. I think the Masters has been very practical with that, the PGA Championship has been practical with that and the British Open has been practical with that.
"But the USGA has looked at it more as a golf tournament than a TV show. I think that as our national championship, that's fine. I wish the British Open would have stayed there, too, but they didn't."
Nicklaus, a member at Augusta National, said a Monday playoff at the Masters seems unworkable, in part because it has morphed into a global event and most fans couldn't stay another day. Daylight in April is also an issue.
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CGB MAX Irons
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