A good walk spoiled

Round two of the 107th U.S. Open is already underway this morning at the Oakmont Country Club, where the tournament is being held for a record eighth time. Carnegie Mellon History Professor Steve Schlossman recently described Oakmont as "arguably the most punishing 18 holes in the world", so it' s no surprise that only two players in yesterday's opening round were able to squeak below par.

Schlossman, by the way, is a golf historian--and a former high school and collegiate golf champion--who has taught a course here on the history of the game. Sports, "a central cultural institution", are a worthy subject for scholarly inquiry, Schlossman says.

"Here at Carnegie Mellon, because of our special interest in social history, the topic of sports is a very good one for exploring race, social class, gender and age," he says.

Jonathan Potts