The 2011 U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship at Bandon Dunes has commenced. Today, the golfers will be at Bandon Trails for the first of two qualifying rounds. On Tuesday, the players move over to Old Macdonald, after which the field will be cut to the low 64 scorers for match play. The players will be back at Bandon Trails on Wednesday and then over to Old Macdonald the remainder of the championship.
This morning the weather is quite benign as we have some overcast skies and just a hint of wind. But that should change this afternoon. The forecast is calling for some showers and gusty winds. And anyone who has ever come to Bandon Dunes knows that wind is the ultimate defense for the courses here on the southwest Oregon coast.
We'll keep you updated throughout the championship with results and happenings from on and off the course.
You can certainly also e-mail us with questions or comments to dshefter@usga.org or mtrostel@usga.org. Mike Trostel and I are handling the media responsibilities at the APL this year and we'd love to hear from you. It should be a tremendous championship at a wonderful venue. -- David Shefter