Editorial Heads Up: Fore!

Once again, Bethpage Black is teed up for the national spotlight now that the state-owned facility has been included in the PGA Playoff rotation for 2012 and 2016. Known as the Barclays, the tournaments will showcase the best of Long Island and bring more golf fans and more dollars for the local economy.

Bethpage Black has a unique niche as a challenging master course -- yet a public one. That was confirmed by the U.S. Open in 2002 and 2009, which sharply increased the number of non-pros sleeping in their cars for a chance to play it. The Open won't be back at Bethpage this decade, though. The next U.S. Open here is scheduled for Southampton's private Shinnecock Hills in 2012.

So landing the Barclays returns Bethpage Black to the leader board and increases the chances of attracting two other top tournaments. Ace!