VIEWPOINT WE SENT AN ARTIST TO THE HAMPTONS TO GATHER IMPRESSIONS OF THE U.S. OPEN. HE FOUND THAT THE GOLFERS WERE THE FOCUS OF ATTENTION BUT NO MORE INTERESTING THAN THE GAWKERS, AND THAT ONE'S STANDING, SOCIAL OR OTHERWISE, WAS CONSTANTLY BEING REVIEWED

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COLOR ILLUSTRATION:ILLUSTRATIONS BY ERIC PALMA [spectators watching golfer putt]

THREE COLOR ILLUSTRATIONS:ILLUSTRATIONS BY ERIC PALMA Some spectators reveled in the freedom of being in the great outdoors, while others maintained a close watch from afar or just tried not to get blown away by the action. [two male spectators smoking cigars; woman watching golf through binoculars; woman holding her hat to prevent it from being taken by the wind]

THREE COLOR ILLUSTRATIONS:ILLUSTRATIONS BY ERIC PALMA Status was very important, whether it was a matter of gaining admittance to the country's oldest clubhouse or a player's position in the tournament. [men adjusting scoreboard; man holding sign containing golfers' names; guards outside the clubhouse]