Champions Tour players know they aren't far from Bethpage Black, geographically or chronologically. Lonnie Nielsen, the defending champion at the Commerce Bank Championship, said he plans to enter the New York State Open in one of the next few years just so he can play the Black. Jeff Sluman said he intends to try to qualify for the Open next year because the Open at the Black in 2002 was such a great experience. Most players say they definitely would accept the automatic exemption to the '09 Open at Bethpage if they win the 2008 U.S. Senior Open--regardless of the fact the Black will be tough on a pro older than 50. "I'd be the first one to sign in," John Cook said.
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Groups you might want to follow in the first round tomorrow:
Jeff Sluman, Ben Crenshaw, Mark McNulty off the first tee at 10:10, John Cook, Loren Roberts and Nick Price at 10:20; Denis Watson, Isao Aoki, Mark Johnson off No. 10 at 10:20; Scott Hoch, Brad Bryant, Des Smyth off No. 1 at 10:50.