Kudos and Catcalls: Pinehurst is receiving kudos – no catcalls so far – from the gallery.

Roger Johnson, president of the English Speaking Union and Pinehurst No. 6 resident, is working this Open as a gallery control volunteer.

"This Open is five times better in its scope and ease and everything," Johnson said. "This Open is unparalleled in its organization and overall feeling."

Johnson knows what he’s talking about. He served as a marshal for the 1992 Women’s Open and 1994 Men’s Open at Oakmont Country Club in Pittsburgh before moving to the Sandhills in 1996.

A Love-ly Time: Davis Love III has always been a fan of Pinehurst No. 2, and he’s enjoying returning to the area where he enjoyed success as an amateur during his years at the University of North Carolina.

"We’ve all (the players) talked about how we’ve never seen a town and fans so excited," he said. "It’s like they’re nuts about it. It’s like a Monday crowd at Augusta where they know they’re not coming back, they’ve only got one day at the Masters and they’re really jacked up about it.

"People feel this may be their only chance to see a U.S. Open at Pinehurst and they’re thrilled.

"And it really is amazing – the autographs, the pictures, the excitement of the people. Even the waitresses in the restaurant are just geared up and it’s really great to see. But it’s a little unnerving that all those people are so excited so early. It makes you start to get nervous a couple of days early."

Withdrawal Pains: Adrew Coltart of England was the only casualty listed before the Championship. Coltart pulled a rib muscle and was forced to withdraw. He was replaced in the 156-man field by Edward Pfister of La Quinta, Calif.

Pfister is an instructor at the Jim McLean Golf School located at PGA West.