2013 U.S. Open Survival Guide

The 113th U.S. Open will be played at Merion Golf Club from Thursday through Sunday, with practice rounds starting on Monday. For better or worse, the tournament will have a big impact on the area for the next seven days. Here's what you need to know to get by.

So, What is it Again?

The U.S. Open is one of the four major annual tournaments in professional golf—the others being The Masters, The Open Championship, and The PGA Championship. This is the fifth time Merion Golf Club has hosted the event. It last hosted it in 1981. In the context of pro golf, it's a very big deal.

Will Tiger Woods be There?

Yes, and he, rumor has it, may have installed a swimming pool in the home of former 76ers GM Billy King, where he may be staying. You can see the full list of the other less famous competitors here.

Will Other Celebrities be There?

Yup, lots. You might see Matt Damon at CVS. Short of that, maybe Matt Dillon?—he doesn't seem all that busy. Either way, we'll be keeping our eyes peeled and keeping you updated.

I Don't Know Anything About Golf. How Can I Make Small Talk About It?

With these choice water cooler nuggets:

• "St. George's Church is just 150 yards away from the sixth green, and its bells ring, loudly, every 30 minutes. It'll be interesting to see how players adjust to that."
• "I know everyone is talking about Tiger, but I'm eager to see if Adam Scott can keep the momentum of his Master's win going."
• "Webb Simpson has had a rough season, but I think he has an honest shot to defend his Open title."

Can I Still Get Tickets?

The USGA sold out of tickets on Sunday, but, after a quick glance around the 'net, it looks like plenty are still available on Craigslist and StubHub.

How Bad Will Traffic and Parking Be?

Bad. Though no roads will be closed in Lower Merion Township, driving in Haverford should be a nightmare. For an overview of planned closures, click here, or to get up-to-the-minute info on detours and other traffic accommodations, visit the Haverford Township information page here.

Anything Else I Should Know/Read?

Yup. All this stuff below. We'll be adding to it as the week wears on. Good luck.

• USGA 'Building a City' for U.S. Open in Haverford
• Tiger Woods Played Merion in the Rain Tuesday
• From 1934: The History of U.S. Open at Merion
• Turning a Logo Into a Sweet Treat
• A Bite Only Merion Members Will Taste
• Win Tickets to the U.S. Open With Your Putting Skills
• Haverford Township's U.S. Open Q and A
• Streets Require a U.S. Open Resident Pass
• U.S. Open Offers Little to Some Businesses
• How The U.S. Open Could Impact School Busses
• Small Businesses Face Big U.S. Open Concerns
• U.S. Open: Dream or Nightmare for the Area?
• 'Ardmore Ambassadors' Needed for 2013 U.S. Open
• No Swearing at Merion’s U.S. Open
• No Lower Merion Roadways Will be Closed During U.S. Open