Missing The Old Guard USGA, Files: Green Gathering Would Not Be Seen This Weekend

It’s easy to poke fun at the old guard USGA and their stodgy ways. But every now and then some stodginess would do wonders for the American spirit.

Take the group of loudmouths sandwiched together during our pandemic in New Rochelle-adjacent COVID-19 hotspot. They’re not wearing masks but screaming their brains out and to cap off this coronavirus sundae, are anchored by NCAA hooligan and world famous restaurant regular/home owner Rick Pitino.

He even made the USGA post round notes in another leg of the USGA’s Barstool transformation:

• Current Iona men’s basketball coach Rick Pitino watched some of the action from a home behind the third green. Pitino coached the University of Kentucky to the national title in 1996, and also led Providence College and the University of Louisville to the Final Four during his career.

Yes he did. Also, he and his friends—including tournament volunteers—are sandwiched together and should think about following state guidelines because they are on national TV.

Which brings me back to P.J. Boatwright.

A USGA friend saw this odd scene given the need for the U.S. Open to show it’s on good behavior. The person noted how the various old guard—pandemic or not—would have had this unsafe gathering blocked out with green-screen fencing by sunrise.

Ah, how we do miss our Hannigans, Boatwrights and Deys.

**Update: we’ve got masks today for round 3!