The Rough Stuff

In case you haven't heard enough already about the thick rough at this U.S. Open, you're going to hear more about it as the tournament unfolds. The rough. Phil and Tiger. Brangelina's new baby. That's what everyone is talking about.

Well, there was the salacious news in one of the tabloids this week about Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan getting into an insult contest when they crossed paths at one of those places where the rich and unexplainably famous like to hang out and pretend they don't like to have their pictures taken.

But back to the rough -- which is where David Toms kept going on Thursday.

It really is manageable if you keep it in the first two layers. But if you get it in the broccoli, you're steamed.

With inside the ropes access here, the media can tromp through the thick stuff and it's like walking through the heavy sand at the top of the beach -- only not as hot. It's so long, it slows your feet down, not that many of us media types are quick afoot anyway.

But it's the U.S. Open. It's supposed to be that way.