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2012 Barclays Preview: Bethpage Black, The Course

The 2012 Barclays takes place at Bethpage Black.

Aug 21, 2012; Farmingdale, NY, USA; Phil Mickelson (USA) signs autographs during a practice round for The Barclays at Bethpage State Park.  Mandatory Credit: Tim Farrell/THE STAR-LEDGER via US PRESSWIRE
Aug 21, 2012; Farmingdale, NY, USA; Phil Mickelson (USA) signs autographs during a practice round for The Barclays at Bethpage State Park. Mandatory Credit: Tim Farrell/THE STAR-LEDGER via US PRESSWIRE

The Barclays has been rotating through different clubs over the past few years. It was originally called the Westchester Classic and was played at the Westchester Country Club. In 2007, it was renamed the Barclays and began moving around clubs in the state of New York, most prominently those located near New York City.

This year's site is Bethpage Black. You might remember it from the 2002 U.S. Open and the 2009 U.S. Open. The Black Course has played pretty tough both times, with only six players finishing under par in 2002 and five players going under in 2009. Don't expect things to get much easier this time around, even if it isn't a major tournament. Farrell Evans of ESPN has this report on the course, which still looks like it will play very tough.

At 7,468 yards, the par-71 Black Course will certainly be a beast. Its sheer length is its most intimidating quality. Its Goliath size and personality can be overwhelming, overshadowing the intricacies of a layout that is very straightforward.

"Everything about it is just big," said Zach Johnson, who missed the cut here in 2009. "It's almost like each hole is its own little -- you don't see another hole, you're on that hole and that's it."

The four local Pacific Northwest golfers competing are Ben Crane, Kyle Stanley, Ryan Moore and Troy Kelly.

Check out more coverage on the Barclays on SB Nation's golf hub and its dedicated Barclays storystream.