tabletops: What is it that makes the greens at Oakmont so fast? Grass? Cut? Slope?

Gerry Dulac: It's all those factors -- it's how close they shave the grass; it's the type of grass, which is poa annua; and it's those sloping greens.

bogeyman: Regarding your article today on the long par 3 8th hole -- what is the standard by which pars and such are set? Distance? Hazards? Topography?

Gerry Dulac: Par is determined by distance, though even that line of demarcation is getting skewered each year. The hole's handicap -- whether it plays among the toughest or easiest -- is determined by distance, hazards and sometimes even topography.

hacker: What hole is going to be the backbreaker for the players this year?

Gerry Dulac: I think the toughest holes are going to be Nos. 7, 9 and 15, but, believe it or not, the backbreaker, as you call it, might be the shortest par-4 on the course -- No. 17. Players will try to drive the green, but the green is shallow with big, deep bunkers all around. Not to mention nasty nasty rough to the left.

Mayor_Lukey: Was there any truth to the rumor that Luke Ravenstahl crashed a party held at Oakmont when Tiger was in town to practice the course?

Gerry Dulac: Mayor Luke did not crash the party, as you suggest, but he was there -- with an invitation. And the party was getting to walk the fairways when Tiger played a practice round. I know, I saw him there and walked a couple holes with him. He's a big golf fan.

H20: Gerry -- that course map that's on the PG web site is very cool, however, I noticed something about Oakmont -- there is no water. Is that unusual for a major course not to have a water hazard? I'm only a tepid golf fan, but any time I watch it on TV (or play Golden Tee) it seems like courses have water hazards. Anyway, is this why the greens at Oakmont are so legendary? To overcompensate for no water?

Gerry Dulac: Very observant, H2O. consider this: Oakmont might be the toughest course in the world, arguably, and it has no water and no trees. And it is unusual. Most courses have some water somewhere, even a creek. Oakmont has grass ditches, but no water in the ditches.

phil_fan: Rumors abound that Mickelson will be doing his practice rounds this week -- you know anything to that effect?

Gerry Dulac: 'C'mon Phil fan -- I can't tell you that. but, just between you and me (and everyone else on this chat), he is coming in sometime during the Memorial Day weekend before heading to Ohio to play the Memorial. If you don't tell anyone, perhaps I can get you to carry his bag.

TIGER: I know that Tiger is expecting his firstborn this summer -- is it possible he could miss the tourney because of this?

Gerry Dulac: Tiger and his wife are expecting their first child in early July and he already said he will defend his title in the Buick Open, which is the last week of June. If he's playing in that, he sure as heck will be at the U.S. Open.

hacker: And which is your favorite hole -- as a golfer, as a golf writer and as a fan?

Gerry Dulac: Hacker, my favorite is No. 18, because it means I'm finished getting beat up by the course. Actually, I like a bunch of them -- No. 2, No. 4, No. 5, No. 8, No. 10 and 18. Probably my favorite is No. 14, a 350-ish par-4. I just like the look of the hole.

hacker: What do you usually shoot on Oakmont?

Gerry Dulac: A year or two ago, I shot 78 with a 7 (ball OB) on No. 18. Last week, with the rough brutally thick, I shot 85 with an 8 on 18 and hitting only five fairways. And yet i still like the hole.

TIGER: Having been to Oakmont before, it's not the most accessable place? I'll be staying in the city center -- how do I get back & forth?

Gerry Dulac: You're right, it's not the most accessible place, but, then, neither are most U.S. open sites. You'll probably have to use the satellite parking lots at Pittsburgh Mills Mall or Hartwood Acres, unless you know someone in Oakmont who will let you park in their yard.

hacker: Best spots around Oakmont for 19th hole enjoyment? I'll be coming up from W.Va. and want to make a day out of it -- drinks, dinner, etc. afterwards ...

Gerry Dulac: There's a great little Italian place called Michael A's in Oakmont. its tremendous -- great food, very reasonable price. Hofstott's is a good spot, too. I'll be doing a radio show every night during the open at the Oakmont Tavern. Check it out.

arnies_army: While I don't doubt the prestige of Oakmont, my impression is that its not held in the same esteem as Pebble Beach, St. Andrew's etc. Is this because it is not an annual tour stop, limiting its exposure?

Gerry Dulac: AA -- I disagree. It IS held in the same regard as the courses you mentioned, if not more. That's why its ranked the No. 5 course in america. For tradition and history and prestige, it's held in higher regard than Pebble Beach.

arnies_army: Hmmm ... maybe that's just my impression then. Just seems like the other places are "household names" to use a cliche. But I guess in the golf world it is highly regarded. Just curious, but what are the 4 courses ahead of it?

Gerry Dulac: Pine Valley in New Jersey is No. 1, followed by Shinnecock, Augusta National and Pebble Beach. Trust me, Oakmont is a household name all around the world.

hacker: Gerry, you've spoken a lot about the elimination of the trees at the course. Was this an aesthetic thing, or will it affect the play greatly?

Gerry Dulac: Oakmont wanted to restore the course to its original look, which was tree-less. The club also felt that some of the trees had grown so big they were adversely affecting shots. on one hand, no trees could make it a little easier, though I dont think so. On the other, it could increase the amount of wind.

Signet: Has anyone (corporation) come forward yet to try and bring the PGA tour back to PA. It seems a shame that there is no longer a tour stop in out state.

Gerry Dulac: Nobody has stepped forward to my knowledge. It is a shame. The 84 Lumber Classic, for 4 years, was a good event for Western Pennsylvania. It's a shame we won't have a tour stop every year. Thank goodness the U.S. Open will bridge the gap this year.

JB5577: Why was the 84 eliminated? Joe Hardy too busy w/ young girlfriends?

Gerry Dulac: Hahaha....actually, the decision was Maggie Hardy's. But don't blame her. She wanted to negotiate a smaller contract with the PGA tour and, next thing she knew, the tour was giving the event to Hartford.

tin_cup: Golf is a funny game ... but who do you expect will win the Open? Or more specifically, does this course play better to the strengths of any particular golfers?

Gerry Dulac: I don't want to tip my hand and reveal my pick just yet, but I'll give you a short list of candidates, besides Tiger Woods and even Phil Mickelson: Jim Furyk, Retief Goosen, Luke Donald and Chad Campbell. Oakmont will require someone with patience who has good control of his pace on the greens.

tin_cup: I suppose Tiger is always the favorite ...

Gerry Dulac: Tiger is always the favorite, no matter the tournament, no matter the course. thats going to do it for this week's chat. I'll be back next Tuesday at 1 p.m. to answer more of your questions about Oakmont and the U.S. Open.