Thousands of golf fans descended on Bethpage Black in Farmingdale Monday as the U.S. Open practice rounds began.

It was a soggy start to the second U.S. Open at the Long Island facility. Bethpage Black was also home to the event in 2002. That year marked the first time that the U.S. Open was hosted at a facility owned by the public.

Fans began filing in through the gates, many itching to catch a glimpse of Tiger Woods on the green. Fan favorite Phil Mickelson is due to arrive on Wednesday.

?It's the place to be,? says James Kennery, of Massapequa. ?It?s a pretty big thing that's going on - when the U.S. Open comes to Bethpage.?

Local businesses are hoping to see a boost in business from the tournament traffic, but many are already complaining about the traffic headaches. There are road closures near Bethpage State Park and fans are being told to park their cars at Jones Beach. The Long Island Rail Road is also providing extra trains.

The first round is scheduled to begin Thursday.

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