U.S. Open 2019: Here’s the meaning behind those little dots on the FOX broadcast

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. — I tend to get fascinated by strange, inconsequential things. At the 2019 U.S. Open, that lead me down a strange path: What those little dots signify on FOX Sports’ U.S. Open broadcast.

Are they just there for style? Or is there a deeper meaning?

Turns out, they’re a bit of both. They’re color-coded to provide viewers with a subtle, helpful guide to better understand the on-course challenges pros face.

Green Dot

You’ll see the green dot pop up alongside yardages for places the players conceivably want to hit their ball. That’s why you’ll see the green dot alongside any yardages to the fairway and the pin. Pretty simple.

Yellow Dot

The yellow dot is used alongside yardages to all the non-penalty hazards that are in play or a cause for concern, but not disastrous. You’ll see them note yardages to bunkers and rough.

The (elusive) Red Dot

The red dot exists. I’ve seen it with my eyes, but only once. The FOX Sports team confirms it exists, but you’ll have to keep your eyes peeled because it doesn’t come around very often. When it does, it will be alongside a yardage “To Hazard,” and nothing more. Beware the red dot.