At about 7:30 EDT on Thursday, June 15th, the world of professional sports will collide with that of the weekend hackers as the U.S. Open begins at Bethpage Black; the only completely public course to ever host the prestigious event. In perhaps the ultimate tip of the hat any sport can give its loyal followers, the most accomplished golfers from all over the world will ply their trade on the same track where many followers have done the same. Oh, sure Jim Furyk and Retief Goosen wont be spending the previous night sleeping in their backseats in order to gain a much sought after, early start time but they will be challenged by the same traps and pitfalls that everyday hackers must contend with on a regular basis. For the faithful, its Open Golf Live, on their course.

Make no mistake --Bethpage Blacks status as a public course adds a wonderful element to whats already acknowledged as a major tourney. Can you imagine the thrill in walking the course during the 2006 Ryder Cup at the K Club in Ireland and watching the best that Europe and the USA had to offer? How many who walk the hallowed grounds of the Old Course at St. Andrews, or Royal Troon or Carnoustie have actually played the break on any one of the greens? Now, how much more poignant would that be if you knew that Colin Montgomerie would bring the sand trap on the right into the game if he under clubs himself? Thats exactly what many of the fans on Long Island will be experiencing as they follow the four days of the U.S. Open. Open Golf Live, where you learned the game.

Even those who can't make the sojourn to Long Island will clamor for any way to watch Open Golf Live. There will be no end of weekend hackers downloading streaming video to their office desktops in order to see the early parts of the first two rounds. With one eye on the screen and the other on the their work, theyll view with a very special interest as Anthony Kim finds the same rough on 10 that they always seem to find. A knowing smirk will greet Camilo Villegas' misread of the break on the 12th green from the guy who's made the same slip up more than a few times. Open Golf Live, out of your own bag.

Everyone knows that fan is short for fanatic. Its the spark behind all sorts of craziness, from the innocent face painting at the Super Bowl to the more serious death threats on referees during the World Cup. We live and die with our teams and our players but, most of the time, it is a vicarious pursuit. For one weekend in June, though, itll be one with which we can identify on a level rarely felt. Open Golf Live, the way we hope to play.