Governor George E. Pataki was recently joined by members of the United States Gold Association (USGA) to unveil the commemorative painting by internationally acclaimed artist LeRoy Neiman for the 102nd US Open Golf Championship to be held at Bethpage State Park's famed Black Course this June.

"It is an honor to unveil this magnificent painting depicting Long Island's spectacular Bethpage Black and the spirit of the US Open," Pataki said at the unveiling. "LeRoy Neiman's artwork portraying the highest points of human achievement is admired by millions of people throughout America and around the world, and we are proud to have him depict this exciting and historic event taking place right here in New York."

Best known for his brilliantly colored energetic images of sporting events and leisure activities, Neiman's paintings capture images ranging from basketball and boxing to golf, swimming, cycling and more. His work includes paintings for the Olympic games in Montreal, Lake Placid, Sarajevo and Los Angeles.

"As a New York artist creating the poster for the USGA 2002 US Open on the Black Course at Bethpage State Park, I feel makes me a part of the tournament and I expect to make the cut at Farmingdale."

Last June, with the assistance of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the USGA commissioned Neiman to paint an original oil painting of the Black Course. Never before has the national championship been held on a publicly owned and operated course.

"It is with great pride that the USGA brings the 2002 US Open to Bethpage Black, a publicly owned and operated facility, but also one of the most celebrated designs of the legendary golf course architect A.W. Tillinghast," said USGA Executive Director David Fay. "In this painting, Neiman has magnificently captured the artistry of Tillinghast's vision with his signature use of color and energy."

This painting marks the first that Neiman has done for a US Open. Bethpage Black, one of five golf courses at Bethpage State Park, was selected by the USGA in 1996 to host the US Open. One of the last courses designed by Tillinghast, Bethpage Black is said by many to be his finest work. Following its selection, the USGA undertook a year-long renovation project and called upon the "US Open Doctor" of architects, Rees Jones, to restore the course's layout to its original design. Completed in June of 1998, the narrow fairways, high roughs, well-placed bunkers and small greens help make this an extremely difficult course.

Posters, serigraphs and artists proofs of the original painting are being published by Knoedler Publishing. Posters are currently being sold exclusively through the USGA Catalogue and with be in the 2002 US Open Merchandise Pavilion during the championship. For information about the artwork, visit www.usgacatalogue.com or call 1-800-755-0293.