Live at the US Open - Pebble Beach - Sunday June 16, 2019 II

The 2019 US Open at Pebble Beach is in the books.  The Open rarely disappoints and this one was no exception.  Final thoughts….

I don’t think we need to go over what happened again and what most of us saw on TV.  I may not be thrilled with the Fox broadcasting crew but their visual coverage was outstanding. 

Before I start Sunday let me remind you (like I need to) I am, have always been and will always be a huge Tiger fan.  That said what I have to say in closing I hope it not too terribly one-sided because of it.  We spent two of the four days with him and his groups and one day with Rory.  This is what I observed.

Sunday we again walked with Tiger.  Mark Leishman was his playing partner.  I have always like him and he seems to be a very nice man.  Happy. Polite.  Said please and thank you.  During the week there were Advance Teams for Tiger, Phil, Rory, Phil, Brooks and maybe DJ.  By Sunday there were only two – Tiger and Woodland and Rose.  I was very surprised a team wasn’t sent out with Brooks Sunday.  Based on his performance I wonder if the USGA wasn’t wishing one had been.

Tiger got off to that terrible start.  Never expected that.  Then again while most of us were worrying about him potentially shooting 80 he does that incredible 180 and plays like the Tiger of old.  Just like that!  The crowds that were following him went progressively crazier with each birdie.  You figured it had to end with some horrid shot to ruin the moment.  For whatever reason he kept it going and capped it with the birdie at 18.  I felt for Mark Leishman.  He was the invisible man all day.

When he sunk the final putt and waived his hat his emotions were written all over on his face. More than one person I saw were choking up as well.  I wonder if in his heart of hearts he wondered if this might be his last Open at Pebble.  Next one is in 2027.  Can he possibly still be competitive in eight years?   Only time will tell.

We have watched Tiger at multiple Opens.  We observed his impact on golf and on his peers.  We have watched how the fans react to him.   I know I have mentioned this before.  This year seemed different.

Thursday the crowds were crazed with Tiger, Justin and Jordan.  Expected.  We walked with Rory on Friday and, in comparison, it felt like we were watching three Mid-Am champions (not to put down their accomplishments).  There was little energy – anywhere.  And probably less than half of Thursday’s crowd was with us.  This is most likely because the real crowd had been there Friday morning.   For Tiger.  

As we were arriving to walk with Rory people were streaming out.  This is at noon.  The only reason I can think of is that Tiger was almost finished.  Rather than take the long walk 16-18 they left at 15.  Or he may have been finished – we didn’t look.

 
The point being there is no one like Tiger Woods.  In golf certainly.  And perhaps in all of sport.  “Where is Tiger?” or something to that effect was heard over and over and over.  One can tell most of these folks are not golfers or real golf fans.  I say that because the latter already know where he is when they arrive.  So many people want a look at him, a glance as he walks by.  It hit home to us because as we walked by fans as Tiger was hitting they would be praying he would hit it near them so they could see him better.  We talked to fans who got so excited because they had waited for hours for the chance to see him up close and personal.  And for most, he just walked by.  In most cases the fans were 20 deep as you likely saw if you watched.

I have been a sports nut all my life and been to many events.  I do not think any athlete in Tiger’s era comes close to the adulation and interest he creates – good, bad or otherwise.  Maybe Michael Jordan but he retired (the first time) in 1998 and Tiger had barely started.

What I know for sure is Tiger creates this frenzy wherever he plays.  Think of the Fedex Cup, the Masters both of which he won.  On Sunday he wasn’t even close to the lead but the fans were there en masse.  Many of them left when he finished.  The rest caught up with the leaders.  You might have noticed that the last two groups did not have a huge galleries until Tiger finished.

What I also know for sure is that we have been so lucky to have had the opportunity multiple times to walk inside the ropes with players.  Rory, Bubba, Jordan, Rose, Leishman, Tiger.  We see every shot, most putts and are within a few yards from them around the greens.  I don’t know what we did to have been so blessed.  Just know we realize what a special opportunity we had.  I love sharing with you.

Thanks as always to Jeff for putting up with my passion and taking most of the pictures.

Next year the US Open is off to Winged Foot outside NYC.  We do not have plans to go.  We are thinking about Torrey Pines in 2021.  If we go you will be the first to know.  Thank you for following me all these years.  Be well and keep you head still!

Last pictures…and oh my!  Our bus driver today was a hoot!  He played music which was a first and, lo and behold, the entire bus was singing Sweet Caroline among others. A good way to start and end the day since we had his bus going back to the car.

 

Victor Hovland

He's gonna be a goodie!

Tiger ignoring having his picture taken with Tom and me

 

Brain-fade on which hole this is

Chez - congrats to him!

Brooks

 



A view of 17 and 18 from the 6th

The last day...

 



The shore road along Spyglass

Thanks for the memories!

 

Live at the US Open - Pebble Beach - Sunday June 16, 2019

Happy Father’s Day to all you dads, granddads, uncles, brothers, sons and volunteer dads!  Father’s Day is special to all of us because we all had one or more of the above.  It is only fitting that our national Open ends on the day we celebrate the men in our lives.  There were many men of all ages celebrating with their families at the Open which was lovely to see.  Our traditions remain strong.

Congratulations to Gary Woodland!  From everything I hear Woodland is one of the most popular players on tour and will be celebrated not only by us but by his peers.  That in itself is telling.

 

I admit I don’t know much about him other than (thanks to Fox Sports) he is 36 years old, married, father of a son and getting ready to have twin girls.  I know there have been too many times when he has been at or near the top of the leaderboard only to falter on Sunday.  I am rather certain that was expected again.  We were ready to anoint one of the previous Open stalwarts we are enamored with – McIlroy and Rose – or the one we have finally become enamored with – Koepka – the winner!   Come on – you know you were ready.

But Gary Woodland who may well be thought of as a journeyman stepped up to claim arguably golf’s biggest prize.  There were several men who did their best also, but fell short.  The best part is the current world #1 threw everything he had at Woodland but he too fell short.  Gary Woodland WON the US Open.  Most of us will not forget him draining a 35’ putt for a crazy par or making the birdie on 18 to put his name in the record book.  Let me think…whose record did he break?

I don’t know if this will be Gary Woodland’s one and only hurrah or the first one of many.  I do know he is the 2019 US Open Champion – well done! 

Special Father’s Day wishes to the men in my life – Jeff, David, Morgan, Trevor.  You are the best!

Final thoughts and more on Sunday stuff at the US Open tomorrow. 

And more pictures!

 

 

 

 

Live at the US Open - Pebble Beach - Saturday June 15, 2019

Saturday…it seems like forever ago as I write this Sunday night.   Our schedule made it almost impossible to blog in the evenings.  Today we had to get to the course so no time this morning.  Then the worst of all things – three hours of work when we got back.

Since we did not have a shift Saturday we were able to be spectators.  It was fun to observe and sit in a grandstand for awhile.  No pressure.  There was not a lot of walking – just sitting which was welcome.

We decided on 16 grandstand…downhill par 4.  The downside was this huge tree up the fairway.  Most players played their second shots from that side of the fairway so half the time we couldn’t tell when a player was addressing/hitting his ball.  Of course that was the correct place to play to the pin.

To be perfectly honest Saturday was kind of a lull.  It seemed relatively quiet even though there were hoards of spectators.  Saturday always has the biggest crowds.   

In nine Opens I have never seen two spectators like I saw Saturday.  I do not want to offend anyone but these two gentlemen were as out of place at a golf tournament as they could be.  They not only dressed the part of the Wise Guys but walked and talked like them – or at least like they do on TV.  I'm pretty sure they were the real meal deal. 😊

 

 

Navy suit, pocket silk, blue linen shoes - right down to the pinky ring

You can't see his companion

 

 

The shoes on the right are blue velvet -- no kidding! 

At the US Open!

 

 

And more sartorial splendor...oh my!

Live at the US Open - Pebble Beach - Friday June 14, 2019

And it’s Friday!  Day II

We have the afternoon shift once again.  As we are walking through the entrance to the course it was staggering how many people were leaving!  It was not even noon.   I think there were two things going on.

 First, people get to the Open, they do the Merchandise thing, go to the Lexus and Amex tents for pictures and freebies, maybe get a bite or a beer and head to the course.  When they get there and see the crowds, find that many of the grandstands are full and it is 15-deep for the marquee groups which were Tiger and Brooks.  Or they are so tired from the long walk from the buses to the course itself they don’t want to walk another 30 plus minutes out to 9 or 10.

Second, Tiger was just finishing the day at 9.  It is a long walk back from 9 so maybe you bail after 6 and get home in time to watch the afternoon wave on TV.  And a third reason – it is less than 60 degrees and overcast.  The sun did peak out a tiny bit a tiny number of times.

It is 1:36 and we are ready to roll with Rory, Jon and Mark.  Pretty nice duty again with our team from Thursday.  All is good.  We definitely did not have the crowd we had yesterday which made our jobs easier.  There were a few random shots here and there but if they didn’t hit the fairway they were in the rough inside the ropes.  Nothing compared to Tiger’s ‘what the hell just happened there?’ on 5.

 

Yesterday while there wasn’t a whole lot of chatting Tiger, Jordan and Rose did walk together at times and talk.  I don’t remember seeing today’s threesome walking together or talking.  Obviously, we’re not near them every second but they definitely were not in talkative moods with one another.  It was a different vibe altogether.

That said, Phil was two groups behind us, and he had a huge following.  No surprise there.  I understand that group had their hands full a lot of the time.  I think Phil siphoned a lot of people away from Rory and Jon.

All three of our guys made the cut which is good.  Rory was on a roll, floundered a bit with a bogie and then a bad double on the par 5 14th but came back with two birdies and finished strong.  Thought for sure he’d be right there and then Woodland went nuts and he’s four back.  But this is the Open and anything can happen.  There are 47 players at Even or better.

Tomorrow is moving day and it will be great fun.  We do not work, so we get to be spectators and watch anyone we want.  Then there is the small issue of full grandstands and the crowds around the big boys.  But bit of a strange thing has happened.  Pay attention to the pairings.  Go back to Tiger’s group. From there of the groups have a well-known player and one you barely know or have never heard of.  I wonder if viewing might be a bit easier with the big boys totally spread out.  Hope so.

Other things…

I think I said earlier that the USGA knows how to move people to and from.  Uh, strike that this time around.  Both days so far the lines for the buses to leave are staggeringly long.  Thank heavens we have the volunteer line.  It is not what you want when you just walked miles, hiked up a large incline and four sets of stairs.

Each year we see volunteers from the past which is great fun.  My friend Peter from Wichita is a every year guy.  He is typically in charge of a volunteer group or a Grandstand (18) Captain.  This year he is again on 18, but not in charge.  A lot of us have worked holes before so you know that the marshals rotate around as the shift goes along.  Not with the guy on 18 here.  The marshals are assigned a position and there they stay – all day!  It’s wrong on every level if for no other reason than you need to walk around during a six-and-a-half-hour shift. 

As we walked the course many of the Hole Captains thanked us for being there to help them out if needed.  This is nice.  And this year the USGA notified the Hole Captains that there are Advance Teams coming around.  In previous year the captains had no idea who we were or why we were there. Some were not happy.  Having the orange Inside the Rope Access lanyards also helped.

We are at one of the most beautiful places in the world.  It is unfortunate that the weather is so cold and unsunny.  There is nothing more beautiful than the view of Carmel Bay in the sunshine.  Still hoping for some sun but not in the forecast - mid-60s and full sun – until Monday.  Of course.

Later kids…

 

 

Still friends...

 

Just one of the many parties happening all weekend.  I love this house with it's own sand trap and putting green.  You can't see but each chair has a US Open logo on it.  Unfortunately it is rather cold for outdoor parties.  The groups we saw today were wrapped in blankets under heaters.  Such a bummer!



Happy Flag Day!!
 

Live at the US Open - Pebble Beach - Thursday June 13, 2019

Thursday

Sometimes things just work out the way we would like them to.  As 19^th Hole Marshals one can stand for hours guarding an empty space, do one’s best to be kind to people who are very unhappy they cannot get into a grandstand on Sunday, or just about anything under the sun. 

Or one can be assigned to the Advance Team

Inside the ropes access.  They make you return them each evening - bummer!

Advance Teams (for you long-timers, remember Pebble and Congressional) which is what we did yesterday.  There were several teams sent out…we were last and we live right.

 

To be lucky enough to draw Justin, Jordan and Tiger is pretty much a dream come true.  Not many get to walk inside the ropes and stand behind the green as they approach and sometimes putt.  Thousands wait for hours for the opportunity to see the players – in particular Tiger – at a distance.  And that is a fleeting moment because they move on quickly.  We at times could have reached out and touched them.  We are humbled by our good fortune and revel in each minute.

Our team was five strong…and we had a blast.  We knew where we had to be without checking with one another.  Divide and conquer the fairways and meet at the green or crossings.  When we did this in 2010 some of the crossings were absolute nightmares with thousands of people to move when Tiger got there.  This year the hole marshals really have a handle on it and things went smoothly.

The first real call to duty was on 5 when Tiger yanked his tee shot – what was he thinking?  OMG!  The ball could have bounced anywhere but where it did.  It was a terrible in every possible way and you saw the outcome.  What you maybe didn’t see was us along with two USGA officials try to move hundreds of people out of the way – a lot.  The people in the front can move until the people in the back do so. They are already 15 deep, can’t see anyway but still thinking backing up 6” will help.  Not!  They needed to go back 10’. 

Number 8 is the hole the players would rather avoid.  Even with its incredible beauty trouble is everywhere.  Even with a great tee shot.  Jordan was hot as blazes on 8 where he went in the hazard.  What a bonehead shot, club selection – I don’t know because I did not hear what the talking heads decided happened.  Then he hits his 3^rd long which did not help at all.  That he walked away with bogie was huge.  I understand the cameras caught Jordan berating Michael for both those errors and the internet went crazy slamming him.  I can’t comment one way or another since I haven’t seen it, but I can tell you whatever happened did not affect them going forward.  When Jordan says ‘we’ he really means it.  You would never have known there was a cross word the rest of the way.  When Jordan then hit his tee shot on 9 into the rough left Jeff was right there.  (you could see him on TV) their conversation and demeanor were just fine.

The pressure on the players is enormous as you know.  We can’t even imagine it.  You really can’t see it so much on TV but we see it in their faces as they move.  Tiger rarely cracks a smile and keeps that intimidation factor in high gear throughout.  Jordan surely wasn’t his usual smiley self.  If they were moving near or through the crowd their heads were down and staring straight ahead.  No eye contact with anyone including one another.  I honestly think Justin caught a break being paired with them.  The crowd was so into the other two he just cruised in his own world. 

For the truly marquee trio with few exceptions they just cruised along.  They did not do anything terribly exciting.  But for us to have the privilege to lead/follow them is truly a gift.  I know we have done it in previous years but each time is more special than the last.   It is thrilling to be a hole marshal and to watch the entire field go past.  We have done that.  But when some of the hole marshals ask how we got this gig and wish it were they you know you are beyond lucky.

Thanks for the memories boys!

 

 

 

There's not much to say about this other than I wish I had a picture of the lady in an even better Tiger suit.  Oh my!

 

Someone is a true fan!

 

There is a lot of standing and watching in golf!

 

For those of us old enough to remember Bing Crosby...

White Christmas sold a lot of records

Live at the US Open - Pebble Beach - Wednesday June 12, 2019

Wednesday – first actual working shift.

Yesterday's gift from Cathy - stellar parking lot.  This 'parking lot' was street parking on the road along Spanish Bay and Spyglass.  The ocean was maybe 50 yards away.  Had to walk a bit to the bus but who cared?  And it saved us tons of time driving.  Again, many thanks Cath!

Our 19^th Hole Marshal leader doesn’t have a lot of experience at this, but he’s a good guy and that’s what matters.  After much conversation about the upcoming weekend, he sends us out to the 10^th tee/13^th fairway player crossing.  Sounds like a bundle a fun, no? 
First of all, the only way to be farther from where we stood would be at the 10^th green.  One literally cannot be father away from home base – which means the entrance and where you get the bus to go home.  It is a hike and a half.

Second it is close to freezing.  The fog rolled in and brought the wind and it was 61 degrees.  61 and sunny is great.  61 and 50 yards from the Pacific Ocean is not so great.  I at least brought my jacket.  Someone who shall remain nameless did not.  Shame!

This crossing in reality needs a traffic light.  Players come down 9.  The 9^th green is past the 10^th tee so they have to walk backwards.  If they stop at 9 they have to leave the tee then cross the 13^th fairway to get to the shuttle cars.  Players who are coming TO the 10^th tee to play have to cross the 13^th fairway in the other direction.  It seems obvious that it being a fairway that players are actually playing that hole.  And players are trying to cross it from both directions.  Seemingly more thought might have gone into this mess.  But if memory serves it was the same in 2010.  My suggestion is that Pebble Beach dig a tunnel under the 13^th fairway to the back of the 10^th tee.  A snappy elevator sounds like a good idea.  Lord knows they have the money to do it.  But then it wouldn’t be as much fun dodging flying drives.

I get sent across the 13^th to where the players come from the shuttles on the other side  of the fairway.  My job is to tell the players when and where to proceed so they do not get conked.  On my left as I face the Pacific is Bing Crosby’s former home. (and dang I meant to take a picture – I will tomorrow) and on my right is the Fitzpatrick home.  The only reason I know this is because Mrs Fitzpatrick came out to talk with a gentleman from a data mining company who counts some attendees.  In particular people who show up to the parties at the homes.  I really did not understand it and I’m not sure he did either.  Mrs. F was very nice and told my guy that people who showed up saying they were invited to her home should know whose home it is.  Like their name.  I thought that appropriate.  No party crashers there.  But then I know their name now and I’m thinking maybe I could join the fun too. 😊

By now all of us are close to freezing…no feeling in our fingers.  Welcome to Monterey Bay!  The nameless one has disappeared but soon comes back with black arms.  I know that the satellite merchandise tent is close by and he decided literally freezing to death was not an option.  Good choice.

I got to have conversations of various lengths to Tony Finau, Jim Furyk, Graeme McDowell, Shane Lowery, Mark Leishman and Ernie Els as they either came or went.  I admit they were mostly on the very short side but all were very nice and smiling.  They were freezing as well.

We made a second trip to the Merchandise store to buy me something to warm me up.  Felt so much better.  And it’s cute.  Wasn’t expensive but probably would have paid big bucks just so I could warm up.

Two major disappointments ☹ 

When at the crossing there wasn’t a sole at the ropes and who bounces (literally) down from the fairway is Rory.  My flag and pen are in my bag.  I had my back turned and didn’t see him until he was practically on top of me.  What a bummer!  More of him later.

Just before we left Brooks finished 9 and bailed.  Smart guy.  All these people are running up to the ropes we hold to get an autograph.  This time I have my flag and pen.  Typically when the pros sign and people are on both sides of the ropes they will cross back and forth.  He started on my side, then crossed.  I’m thinking he’s coming back to my side as he gets to where he can escape.  And sure enough he did but started at the person NEXT TO ME!!  I’m not pushy enough and lost out.  Truly bummed.  I will say that, remember he said Monday that he signs after he’s finished, I think he signed at least 50 times.  Maybe more.  All good.

We were thankfully released and made the long trek back to the bus.  Tired and ready to call it a day.  Work tomorrow afternoon and it promises to be an exciting day.  Can’t wait to see how the first day shakes out.  One thing I know – we will be fully prepared for the expected same weather.  We won’t be finished until at least 7 so I expect it to be a bit chilly.  Maybe the sun will show up just a little.  We hope.

Some photos of the day…and while I might sneak some more no one is supposed to have a camera out during play.  We will see…

Xander - love this guy



Jim the happy guy today

How's that for camera work - what a swing!

(thanks Jeff!)

Live at the US Open - Pebble Beach - Tuesday June 11, 2019

Sorry to be a day late…how dare work gets in the way?  I finally got to the course around 3…Jeff never even got out of the ‘house.’  It was a bit cooler with clouds coming in which was a relief after high 80s on Monday.

After almost literally running into my neighbor from home as I arrived and she leaving I took a leisurely stroll.  Not only did Cathy give me two parking passes for a way, way better lot she gave me a ticket to the Trophy Club.  What a score and many, many thanks Cathy.  Sad that when I got to the club it has closed.  I was disappointed but was able to use a stellar restroom.  And you know about those pottys.

There wasn’t a heck of a lot going on…but I did get a few good pictures.  I spent some time at the par 3 17^th and then walked up 18.  From there to the putting green where a TV tent was setup and they were doing an interview with Jaime Diaz.  Couldn’t hear it but that’s ok.  Not sure if the GC is going to be there at the putting green all week.  From there to the practice area.

 
Oh my – we should all be so lucky.  What a driving range, chipping area and putting green.  The snappy clubhouse was closed for an event but wouldn’t have been open to the public anyway.  By this time, it was 5 pm and there were still guys practicing away.   

Sorry so short and sweet but when duty calls it can be painful. 

 

The Driving Range

 

Chipping Area

 

As you enter practice area - beautiful

 

Sits underneath the sculpture

 

Henrik - the epitome of coolness

 

David Ledbetter - not the epitome of coolness

He never changes - his hat at any rate

 

What those interviews really look like

 



 



 

 

 



 

 

Live at the US Open - Pebble Beach - Monday June 10, 2019

Hello Friends…(ouch!  Kill me now!)

After a two-year absence we are back at beautiful Pebble Beach for the 2019 US Open.  It does not seem possible that it was 2010 when we were here last when Graeme McDowell won. 

Once again we are 19^th Hole Marshals so we do not know what we will be doing until our first scheduled shift tomorrow afternoon.  Hoping for something juicy but we could also be watching an empty putting green or sand trap.  Whatever it is there will be stories to tell.

We arrived Sunday afternoon.  We have been in Southern CA, AZ and NV since December in our latest ‘home’ – The Beast.  Or as Jeff calls is The Coach.  We are actually headed home to Kent from here with several stops along the way including the Open.

We are ‘camping’ at the Laguna Seca Raceway in Salinas which is about 20 minutes from Pebble.   We have a gorgeous view from right outside our door which is lovely for morning coffee.  Of course the parking venues are either north or south of us so it is an hour no matter how you slice it.   But the USGA always does a stellar job of getting fans to and from the course.  Last time we stayed in Carmel and walked to the course which was fabulous but we did miss the drive down some of the famed 17 Mile Drive we see from the bus.  If you are looking for new digs there are several okay homes for sale along the drive.

We did the usual first day thing – check in, get a beer, go to the Merchandise Tent.  I don’t care how hard you try you cannot get out of there for under $250.00.  Then you wonder what it was you actually bought.  As always great stuff and reasonably priced unless you are buying Lauren or Millar.  If you want something that says Pebble Beach without the Open logo you can go to one of the shops at the Lodge where everything is rather outrageous.  Saw the exact same jacket for $330.00 that was $165.00 in Merchandise.  Wow!  I didn’t buy either 😊 

It was not very crowded Monday – seemingly more volunteers and autograph seekers than fans.  That will change tomorrow.  We just wandered and enjoyed the stellar, hot weather.  Weather will change come tomorrow and be downright cool come the weekend with highs in the low 60s.  But all sun so will be perfect since the mid-80s is hot when walking or standing on a golf course.  Or worse, sitting in a grandstand. 

We watched several players play into 16 including Koepka, Glover, Ancer and Weir.  Koepka is really good-looking and interestingly enough not that big.  We’ve all heard about his weight loss – yada yada yada – but I think he’s lucky to be 6’. 

One can get autographs through Wednesday.  Most of the pros will stop at the crossings from green to tee and sign.  Also when they arrive at the putting green/first tee area.  They typically look for the kids which is the right thing to do since there are so many ‘professional autograph seekers’ out there.  We stood next to one who according to him wasn’t one of them.  But not sure why he had two in his hand and 10 additional plastic-covered ones at his feet.  He was telling us how he was after Mike Weir for his Masters flag with champions-only autographs on it.  Probably worth something on ebay.  He did get Weir and when Weir was walking away the guy asked him to put ’03 under his signature.  Cheeky! 

And speaking of autographs…each year I purchase the red flag from the 18^th hole of the venue.  My keepsake.  A couple of years ago I thought it would be cool to have that year’s champion sign it.  Cool idea – hard to do.  But as I may have mentioned previously I have McDowell, Simpson, Cabrera.  Doubtless could have had Glover numerous times but somehow my Bethpage flag disappeared.  So bummed.  Still have Tiger, Rory, Bruce and Jordan to go.  Oh wait! 

Wait for it....









Only three to go!  I’m stoked!

  

 

 

Note that the signature says To Mel.  He would not sign if he couldn’t put a name on it.  Thinking they figured out that selling flags would not be as easy with someone else’s name on it.  I like it! 

We followed Jordan on 18 where he had just jumped in with four others.  After teeing off on 18 he walked over to the ropes and signed.  No one else bothered or even looked in the fans’ direction.

When they finish at 18 there are SUVs waiting to take them back to wherever they go – range, putting green, locker room.  Nice touch.  There was a rope behind the grandstand to keep fans at distance as they left – at least 15 yards.  There were not that many people back there which doubtless helped.  But someone called out Jordan’s name and he walked right over and signed for everyone there.  Again the other pros never even looked over.  I think Mr Speith is the class act everyone says he is.

That was Day 1.  Excellent all the way around.  More tomorrow…