When the Black Course at Bethpage State Park on Long Island became the first public golf facility to host a U.S. Open back in 2002, the event was quickly dubbed “The People’s Open.” This month, the course welcomes back the Open, and in this issue of GCM, editor Scott Hollister profiles superintendent Craig Currier and his senior staff on the maintenance teams, examines course preparations on the Black and takes a look at Bethpage’s other courses and the role they’ll play during tournament week.

Also, senior staff writer Terry Ostmeyer features two GCSAA members who have put the results of the Golf Course Environmental Profile surveys to practical use. This month’s cover photo, taken by Jim Krajicek (www.krajicekgolfphoto.com), features the par-3 17th hole at Bethpage Black.

The 2008 GCSAA Annual Report was also packaged with the June issue of the magazine.