U.S. Open: Long drives a concern — in cars, not off tee

SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. — The world’s best golfers are crossing their fingers and hoping for luck as they head to Shinnecock Hills for the U.S. Open this week.

It’s not the pin placements or green speeds about which they’re worried. Not the weather or the depth of the rough, either.

It’s the Long Island traffic that has snarled their commutes to the course, stranding them on two- and four-lane roads, staring at brake lights for hours on trips that otherwise would be as short as 15 minutes.

“It’s the worst traffic I’ve ever dealt with at a golf tournament,” said Brian Stuard, a pro since 2005 who left at 6 a.m.