K.C. ALFRED / Union-Tribune With the 2008 U.S. Open only 29 days away, final preparations are underway at the Torrey Pines South Course.

With the longest golf course it's had in 108 years, and typically great San Diego weather with which to grow abundant amounts of nasty rough, the U.S. Golf Association could make next month's U.S. Open at Torrey Pines the toughest championship ever. So here's a shocker if you're up on your USGA history: If anything, it will err on the side of easier.

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Mark Woodward is not worried, but he is wary. Though the City Golf Manager is confident Torrey Pines will be equal to the U.S. Open, he is not so sure as to risk sleeping in his own bed during the tournament. He will park himself on the premises for 10 straight days, living out of a loaned motor home, resolved to be reachable for any contingency that could arise.

CHICAGO – Randy Wolf said there was “no way to candy coat it.” “I've got to be better,” said the pitcher, who, after being in command for four innings last night at Wrigley Field didn't retire any of the seven hitters he faced in the fifth.

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A class on human physiology at Grossmont High doesn't end without a discussion of energy drinks. Nor does the semester go by without teacher Judd Hulbert, former head football coach for the Foothillers, giving students his take. “I always advise against them because of what they contain,” he said. “But it is hard to monitor what kids put into their mouths all the time.”