'Fab Foursome' singing up storm at Open

BETHESDA, Md. -- They are not quite latter day Arnie, Jack, Player and Trevino, nor are they John, Paul, George and Ringo. Nonetheless, "The Golf Boys" have made the most noise at the U.S. Open this week.

Hunter Mahan, Rickie Fowler, Ben Crane and Bubba Watson go the full camp route with outfits bought mostly at Goodwill as they appear in a music video performing their song, "Oh, Oh, Oh." Each would like to move his career major win total up from "0" this week. But they have raised interest and drawn favorable comparisons to the 1985 Bears' "Super Bowl Shuffle" in the sports music video genre.

Bottom line, the song can be downloaded on iTunes, and proceeds go to charity.

USGA experiments with leniency

Another sign that this is not your grandfather's U.S. Open. The U.S. Golf Association actually converted a par 4 into a par 5. The 555-yard sixth hole ought to be more interesting this way.

"If you get it in the fairway, you can have a go at it," Dustin Johnson said. Phil Mickelson said, "It is a wonderful par 5 that really has a lot of decision-making involved. It just makes it more fun and more interesting."

USGA officials are aware of their reputation for lowering par on a course so fewer golfers will go under par. "The increase in par is to 71," Tom O'Toole, chairman of the championship committee, said Wednesday. "Let me repeat myself: The United States Golf Association has increased par from 70 to 71."

Left out but hopeful

Emiliano Grillo was wearing ear buds and listening to an iPod while hitting balls on the range. Was he listening to something to help his swing rhythm? "No, it's just music," he said, adding he wanted to keep the noise out.

The 18-year-old amateur from Argentina possibly needed the distraction. He had to stay on the range all day. He is an alternate, just hoping someone drops out so he can get in the field. Rules state that alternates can't practice on the course.