"It’s an uncomfortable position that I earned.”

Doug Ferguson caught up with first alternate Paul Goydos, who refused to complain about Jerry Pate's exemption into the PGA. But we did learn this PGA oddity for alternates:

Unlike the U.S. Open, Goydos at least was allowed to play practice rounds at Atlanta Athletic Club. At the U.S. Open, alternates only are allowed on the practice areas until they are in the field.

There’s also a difference for alternates compared with the PGA Tour.

“How’s this: I’ve got to stay on the tee,” Goydos said. “There’s like a blue line, and I’ve got to be inside the blue line, standing there like I’m a vulture. I told them they should give me a black hood and a scarlet letter. It’s an uncomfortable position that I earned.”