Fast Break: Scott Van Pelt

ESPN marks its 30th year of U.S. Open coverage this week with its presentation of the event from Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md.

For SportsCenter anchor and ESPN radio host Scott Van Pelt, this presents somewhat of a homecoming.

Van Pelt is a native of Brookeville, Md. — just 15 miles north of Congressional CC — and a University of Maryland alum.

Here he provides Front Row with thoughts on everything from his favorite hole at Congressional to Maryland seafood.

FR: How excited are you to be a part of the U.S. Open at Congressional?

SVP: It’s great to have the event in my hometown. Congressional is a phenomenal layout.

FR: What is your favorite hole there?

SVP: Eighteen is one of the great holes in the game. The look from the tee at that Clubhouse is special.

FR: What has evolved the most over the years you have been involved in the U.S. Open for ESPN?

SVP:  It’s basically the same, but embracing all the platforms and the way the U.S. Open can be served by us has probably “evolved” the most.

FR: When you’re not talking golf and sports, what do you like to do for fun?

SVP: I host a radio show and SportsCenter. No time for fun.

FR: What kind of golfer are you and how often do you get to play?

SVP: I try to squeeze it in where I can, but it’s love/hate. Right now the love is lost, so golf and I are seeing other people. We’ll get back together soon though.

FR: Where do you go for seafood when you’re home?

SVP: Crab cakes are a Baltimore thing and Phillips is legendary.

ESPN’s on-site coverage of the U.S. Open begins with a one-hour SportsCenter special from Congressional C.C. on Tuesday at 2 p.m. on ESPN. On both Thursday and Friday, ESPN and ESPN3.com will air seven hours of live coverage (10 a.m. – 3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. ET). For a full rundown, here’s the ESPN U.S. Open release.