Thoughts on the US Open

Playoff policy: The USGA must surely abandon the practice of 18-hole playoffs for the Open. Had rain interrupted play on Monday or had there been a tie and no time to complete a playoff, then the US Open would have gone over to Tuesday, a sixth day of competition. In these modern times, that is simply too long. It is time for the USGA to adopt a new playoff policy.

Economic woes: The economy had a visible effect at Bethpage Black where there were fewer hospitality tents than usual and some sponsors' tents carried no company logos or any signs as to who was renting them. "Everyody is afraid of being seen out here" Pete Bavacqua of the USGA said. "They don't want to draw attention or exposure to themselves."

Best twitterer: Ian Poulter. During the rain-interrupted first round he tweeted: "It's official. I feel like a fish." From inside the clubhouse while the rain was coming down: "I can't see us getting back on the course unless they give us a canoe and a paddle."

Best boast: "Bethpage, home of Long Island's best bottled water."

Best groupings: Soren Hansen and Peter Hanson. Pity the Dane Anders Hansen hadn't qualified. That would have been some trio. Two Hansens, one Hanson. Another good grouping was Vijay Singh and Jeev Milkha Singh with KJ Choi. Pity they couldn't have imported Aree Song from the ladies tour instead of Choi. Then they could have had Singh, Singh A Song.

Worst weather: the wettest June in New York since records began in 1869 was in 2003 when 10.27 inches fell. Up to 22nd June 2009, rain had fallen on 17 of the 22 days, in all, a total of 745 inches.

Cruellest barracking: Fans on the 10th hole on Saturday shouting at Tiger Woods. "We're on Long Island, baby, where men are men. Put that umbrella down." As Woods prepared to tee off on the 12th another fan shouted: "suck it up, you've got your own video game."

Nicest outburst: Fan to Phil Mickelson as he walked towards the 17th (71st) green having just lost the lead: "Don't give up on us Phil. We won't quit on you. Don't quit on us."

Proudest father: Jim Glover, seeing Lucas, his son, win the Open the day after Father's day and become only the sixth man to emerge from qualifying competitions to become US Open champion. "To see Lucas succeed and live his dream, how many of us get to to do that? Not many, certainly. Probably not anyone else I know. It's the best gift you could give."

Best comeback: David Duval's from 882 in the world at the start of the US Open to 142nd at the end of it thanks to his tied second place finish. "It may be arrogance but it's where I feel I belong" Duval said, confirming he will play in the Open. "I stand before you happy with how I played but extremely disapointed in the outcome. I had no question in my mind I was going to win the golf tournament today."

Best criticism: the New York Post taking the USGA to task for its no refunds policy on Thursday after 3 hours 16 minutes play with a headline: "So long suckers! USGA won't honor tix for yesterday's Open washout".