New Jersey
My first and only time spending time in New Jersey was when I was a Hill Staffer in the early 90’s. Back then, lobbyists could shower staffers with tickets to events and our boss, Congressman Mike Kopetski and his Chief of Staff Phil Rooutundi, would assign them out in a diplomatic fashion. And I was always available for a fun experience!
I was so fortunate to experience so many fun events while working in DC. So when tickets came up for the US Open Golf Tournament at Baltusrol, I said YES. As the only non-golfer in my family, it might seem odd that I was so excited to wake up at 5am to drive the four hours to Springfield, New Jersey … walk the entire golf course with my friend and fellow staffer Tim Kringen … get caught in the rain and then respond with glee that our tickets included the VIP tent (so cool!!!) … and then drive back the four hours to DC.
But it was the Garden State that was calling my name. I wanted to see the beauty of a state that many do not hold in high regard due to its proximity to The Big Apple. I loved New Jersey! So much so that I am super excited to return and complete my NPS tour.
Here are the results of the US Open in 1993 …
“The 1993 U.S. Open was the 93rd U.S. Open, held June 17–20 at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, New Jersey, west of New York City. Lee Janzen shot all four rounds in the 60s and tied the U.S. Open scoring record to win the first of his two U.S. Open titles, two strokes ahead of runner-up Payne Stewart.”