It’s over. I’m back home. US Open withdrawal.
It was a wet, wild, exciting demanding week. I’m exhausted. Sure, we flew 3,000 miles, were up early a few days, walked miles and worked hard. That said, all volunteers work hard. The people in charge of the various volunteer committees are – well – nuts. They are great people but who their right mind would volunteer to begin work at 6 am EVERY DAY FOR 10 DAYS and end around 11 pm? These amazing people who for their efforts get a free set of tickets and a better parking space. My hat is off to our leaders Denice and Jimmy. And all the volunteers who put in their time to make it happen
Now, the people who REALLY work…
I just found out that the people who man the concession stands are volunteers. I thought for sure they were paid. It is not a job I would want and they got a ticket and a free burger for their efforts. Hats off!
The ground crews are always under the gun at golf courses – daily. What the keepers from all over Long Island accomplished last week to keep the Open going is nothing short of stunning. You had to be there to see the conditions – the water, the mud, the mess. Some of the fairways and greens were mini lakes. Good thing the island is basically a sand bar so drainage was pretty good. They not only kept the course playable they got the grounds to where people could actually attend. Some in 6” of mud but shoes and feet are washable. Hats off!
I can’t imagine the exhaustion of the players some of whom played in horrific conditions for any tournament much less the US Open. The mental and physical fatigue must have been overwhelming. No one wants to miss the cut at any professional tournament but my mind wonders if a few of those who did miss it – in their heart of hearts – were glad they did. Whether you drove your 1999 Honda to play at Bethpage or flew in on your private jet you were still beyond exhaustion. Hats off!
Last – as tired as players may have been I don’t think it comes close to their caddies. Those guys and gals are truly amazing. I hope they all got huge bonuses just for not running off into the trees screaming. I read that Lucas Glover’s caddy promised him he would buy him a corvette the next time he won a tournament. What’s with that? Shouldn’t it be the other way around? Anyway, those bags weigh a ton before the rain hits. Then they have to put in the rain gear, umbrellas and heaven only knows what else. It was really difficult to walk Bethpage last week – I simply can’t imagine doing it carrying that bag. All hats off!
One last shout out to American Express! In past years they have lent card holders little mini TVs so they could follow the action on the broadcast. Very cool but they borrowed out early each day. This year the GAVE AWAY little headsets (like for cell phones) on lanyards that tuned into the Sirius radio broadcast. It enabled you to walk around, sit in a bleacher and keep tabs on the rest of the course. It was awesome. As we sat on 17 all day Monday we knew exactly what all the leaders were doing. Can’t imagine what that cost but sure hope they do it again next year.
One final thank you to Jeff who has put up with this nonsense and finally succumbed and joined the fun. He took all the great pictures we posted...hopefully more cool shots next year. If only we could get a press pass -- so many great pictures during the days of play are imprinted in my brain but the no camera rule makes them only mine to see.
And speaking of next year – Pebble Beach!!! It was my ultimate goal when I started this adventure with my simple volunteer application. Get to the Open at Pebble. Well as soon as I get my laundry done I’ll be thinking about next June. The weather will be unpredictable but then, isn’t it always? Wait until they get here – Chambers Bay – in 2015!
The whole week was a blast. Met some great people but I am pretty sure the first day’s tailgating group will be a top memory from Bethpage. Marty, Jimmy et all – you made our week. Stay in touch.
Thanks to all who took the time to read this nonsense each day – hope you enjoyed it half as much as I did writing it. Until next June…keep working on that handicap!
No comments:
Post a Comment