MetLife Blimp Hovers Over Barclays Tournament

From below, it seems to turn on an aerial dime: A majestic airship roams pale blue skies over the famed Bethpage Black.

The MetLife blimp, clearly visible overhead this weekend from Farmingdale, Bethpage, Plainview, is providing aerial coverage of this weekend at .

The ship, known as Snoopy One, is feeding both CBS and the TGC television networks, which are covering the event.

According to MetLife, "Snoopy One" is one of three airships in its fleet, primarily covering East Coast events. In a typical year, “Snoopy One” and the West Coast's “Snoopy Two” cover about 70 sport events nationwide ranging from the US Open to NFL football games and other events.

From the ground, the blimps seem to float in slow motion, but actually have a cruising speed of 40 mph. Each has a 14 member crew: two pilots and 12 crewmen, including electronic engineers, mechanics, licensed radio technicians and riggers. They also carry about 250 pounds of modern camera equipment.

The blimp is inflated and stays afloat using high-pressure gas, usually helium, and a strong body to contain it.

The aerial images reveal the intricate complexity of the opened in 1936 and designed by noted golf architect A.W. Tillinghast. Bethpage Black, one of five courses in the state park, was the the first public course to host a U.S. Open, in 2002. The U.S. Open returned again in 2009.

The blimp should be clearly visible over the area on Sunday, the It is being stored overnight at in Farmingdale.