Hutchinson, Kan. – The gates of Prairie Dunes Country Club opened today to welcome the 2006 U.S. Senior Open under blue Kansas skies with a smattering of tepid breaths of wind.

As practice rounds started today, players and spectators have begun to fill the property. Fans are lining the rope lines with requests for autographs and cameras catching glimpses of any player within lens range.

The practice range and golf course have been busy with players trying to evaluate how they will approach this course. A quick and unscientific survey shows that players are impressed by the conditions and they appreciate the unique style of the layout. Located in the heart of Kansas, Prairie Dunes offers a links look that strongly resembles distinctive Scottish courses.

Amateur Michael Bell of Indianapolis, Ind., who is playing in his second Senior Open, knows that trouble is lurking in the plum thickets that line the fairways.

"You are a dead duck if you're in the rough," Bell said. Bell, a lifelong amateur, played in his first USGA championship at the 1988 Mid-Amateur at Prairie Dunes.

Bell's caddie, George Rall, a native of Scotland, was surprised by the remarkable similarities that Prairie Dunes holds to courses that he has seen growing up in golf's cradle.

"It looked just like Carnoustie," said Rall, who played in the British Amateur and grew up within walking distance of St. Andrews.

Those that have played the course recently in practice rounds understand that the wind will play a major factor during the championship. The moderate winds that pass through the course at an average speed of roughly 10-15 mph will make a difference during the rounds. Playing in his second Senior Open is William Dodd, Jr. of Phoenix, Ariz. He said the winds are an important factor in preparation.

"If the winds die down, the course will play differently. I love the open feeling of this course, very different from 2004 at Bellerive, " Dodd said.

Story by Greg Smore, USGA