Congressional diary

Compiled by PHILIP REID

BIRTHDAY BLUES

Between Rock and Open place: Ramsay hopes dashed

SCOTTISH golfer Richie Ramsay’s hopes of celebrating his 28th birthday yesterday with a place in the field were dashed when news filtered through to the range that newly-crowned Italian Open champion Robert Rock had finally gained visa clearance to fly to the US. As first reserve, Ramsay – on site but unable to play practice rounds on the course – was set to benefit from any withdrawal. Standing beside USPGA champion Martin Kaymer, Ramsay described his birthday as “the most bizarre” he had ever had. “All I know is that I’m not in the field yet and I can’t go practice on the course,” said Ramsay of a controversial USGA policy which prevents players from playing the course until their participation is confirmed.

WATER NOT A HAZARD

Picking up speed: greens nearly off the Stimpmeter

THE USGA likes to have the speed of the greens the same from Monday right through the tournament. Not this time, however. With the heat index at over 1000F last week, officials were forced to reduce the number of mowings and rollings on the putting surfaces.

"Because of the oppressive heat, we did not achieve the objective," admitted Tom O'Toole, chairman of the championship committee. "And I can tell you in my 20 years of officiating at the US Open, the putting greens, their firmness, their smoothness and the green speeds, are as good as we've had."

So, although players have practised on greens slower than planned, they should be running at 14-and-a-half for the championship.

A SWING TO THE LEFT

PHIL Mickelson and Bubba Watson joined another left-hander at the White House yesterday where they were guests of Barack Obama, who may be among the final-day crowd.

Obama invited Phil and Amy, Bubba and Angie and US Ryder Cup captain Davis Love and wife Amy to the Oval Office after requesting the PGA of America to set up the visit.

Mickelson, who is close to former president George W Bush, planned to give the incumbent some basketball tips rather than swing tips.