The thousands of eager shoppers who have been flowing into the merchandise pavilion may have been passing by a great source of valuable golf information without ever knowing it.

The USGA has a traveling interactive library at the entrance to the merchandise tent that is manned by friendly, knowledgeable staffers including Bill McCarthy, a USGA regional manager.

The purpose of the traveling museum is "to give you a taste of everything the USGA does," says McCarthy.

The site chronicles the history of the championships and the game of golf. The walls are lined with old photos that lend a historic mood.

There are videotapes running continually on a variety of topics including the proper etiquette of the game and that capture historic golf moments.

The interactive museum also has access to the USGA website and an up-to-date Unisys scoring monitor.

"And then we’ve got human beings here too," jokes McCarthy. "You can interact with them too."

The site also has a wealth of pamphlets for passers-by to pick up on topics ranging from the USGA rules for disabled golfers, environmental research and programs funded by the USGA, golf etiquette and even copies of Golf Journal.

McCarthy is himself a wealth of information. Not only does he know which pamphlet offers the answers to any given question, but he holds answers to many questions himself.

In addition to being a regional manager for the USGA, McCarthy has served as a USGA referee for three years now and six and a half years working for regional golf associations.

McCarthy explains that golf referees are different than referees for other sports. They’re there to help.

"In football or basketball you’re simply waiting to call the infraction," he says, "whereas in golf you’re there to help and protect the players from any infraction that might occur."

A good example of that is when a golfer loses a ball and he and his caddie might begin knocking about in the woods looking for the ball. If they accidentally move the ball during the search, the golfer will be penalized one stroke and be required to replace his ball. If he plays the ball from where it was jostled, he would lose two strokes or the entire hole. That’s why there are referees with every group that plays.

"You’re there to help the player in any way concerning the rules of the game," says McCarthy.

Although refereeing is considered a part of McCarthy’s job description, most of the referees at this event are volunteers. Lucky, hand-selected volunteers that must pay for all their travel and accommodations themselves.

"They do it because they love the game," says McCarthy. "It really is pretty remarkable."

McCarthy’s firm knowledge of the game make him a valuable asset to the museum and those walking past who need answers to non-specific questions such as "Where do I redeem my program vouchers?" This is McCarthy’s second U.S. Open. His first was at Oakland Hills.

"Each year they get bigger and more extravagant," says McCarthy.

McCarthy is a bit coy about his choice to win the tournament.

"The player with the lowest score," he says. Although he does admit he has a favorite, Davis Love III.

"He shows a lot of respect and enjoyment for the championship," McCarthy says. "I think he would be a pretty good champion."

Although he’d like Love to do well, he really doesn’t know who will win.

"I really have no idea," he says. "It’s such a unique golf course. It’ll be interesting to just see how it plays out."