Last night's rains bog down today's U.S. Open attendees

First in a series of updates today on the U.S. Open at Merion

7:30 a.m.

U.S. Open attendees traveling by car to the course had somewhat limited options after heavy rains on Monday. Rose Tree Park in Media, a grass lot, was closed Tuesday morning thanks to the wet conditions, and drivers were diverted to a second lot at Chester's PPL Park.

Brothers John and Judd Gemmill, from York and Lancaster Counties, respectively, had arrived at the Rose Tree lot early Tuesday only to find they had to drive to Chester, about 20 minutes away.

"You don't think about a parking lot being closed," John said, "especially when there are only two big ones."

Still, things were moving smoothly at the Chester lot Tuesday, with short security lines and ample room for cars. The Gemmills were still worried, though -- they had been due to meet John's son at the putting green at 7, and they had only just gotten on the bus.

But they were looking forward to a day of walking the course -- and seeing Phil Mickelson tee off later this afternoon.