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Fore Questions: Bethpage Starter Gene Clark
Since the Black Course at Bethpage State Park was named site of this month’s U.S. Open, people have flocked to play it. To reach the first tee, one must get past 71-year-old Gene Clark, who sat down with David Shefter.
Q- What’s the biggest excuse you’ve heard from a golfer trying to get out without a starting time? Clark: Tiie one I hear all the time is, “I can never get through to get reservations.’ There are always hints [about favors] and I always say, ‘Don’t bother.’ I can’t get anyone on unless they have a specific [starting] time and date.
Q: What’s the worst shot you’ve seen off the first tee? Clark: The worst shots land on the first fairway of the Green Course [parallel to the Black's first hole]. When [New York Yankees pitcher] Roger Clemens played last year, he went the way of the Green, which was not out of bounds. He may have clone that intentionally. He’s a pretty good golfer. Nice guy, too.
Q: There’s a sign by the tee saying how challenging the course is and that only skilled golfers should play it. Anyone ever look at the sign and decide not to play? Clark: A few. Those are few and far between. Others ignore it or laugh. The majority can hit the ball fairly well. There’s always a few who have the ticket [to play] and the ball dribbles down [the hill] and they hit it another 10 feet and laugh. Then I have to get a ranger out there on their backs right away
Q: If I can t get on the Black, which course should I play? Clark: They are all in good condition. In difficulty, you start with the Black, the Red, then go to the Blue, particularly the first nine holes, and then the Green and Yellow. That’s usually where beginners and the elderly will play.
Q- What s your most interesting story from the Black? Clark: I was sent to get somebody down by the 17th tee. This man was overweight and exhausted. I asked if he needed anything. He said he needed a restaurant.
Q: Have you talked to any touring pros about the course? Clark: Len Mattiace has played it twice. Len grew up in the area. The first time he played it he had a 69. Loren Roberts played it last year. All these guys think it’s going to be a piece of cake and it’s not going to be a piece of cake. It’s going to get to them by the third or the fourth day.
