What a glorious day! The fog took up residence elsewhere and the sun was up bright and early as were we. It appears tomorrow will be the same and this is wonderful news. Even though the sun has shown up it is still cool. When the wind came up in the afternoon it was definitely jacket weather.
The crowd was much larger today and tomorrow the craziness begins. I’m not sure what they are expecting but I heard today that they scheduled 25 marshals per hole.
The players today were more serious than days previous…they were playing more than practicing. If the shot was in the crap they played from there instead of picking up. They chipped and putted from everywhere in the hopes of finding the shot that will be crucial come Sunday afternoon. There was definitely an elevated level of excitement in the air. Everyone felt it I’m sure.
The practice green was full today - even Tiger was there putting and chatting it up with other players and Mark Rolfing. It was amusing to see the caddies taking pictures of each other and with players on the green. There was an unbelievable crush at the green where the players enter and exit. When Tiger left - even with his security entourage the crowd pressed forward so much it was scary. He signed a few autographs which is really unusual. A few very lucky folks today.
NOTE: The house I posted yesterday – belongs to comedian George Lopez. He purchased it two years ago for a mere – ready? $34,000,000. That’s right – pocket change. There is a house left of 18 green as you look toward the green. It is owned by Charles Schwab. Nice digs don’t you think? Turns out Mr. Schwab owns another house at Pebble. He felt the need to have a party house. Aren’t you thrilled to know that Mr. Schwab has invested your money well enough to afford not one but two houses at Pebble Beach? Guess he doesn’t want his guests to mess up his real house. I spent the day with a marshal who has been doing the AT&T for a million years and truly knows what’s up around here.
Sat in the bleachers on 8 for awhile today – watch for this hole…it is a make or break. I think that 6 through 9 are the best holes…absolutely gorgeous and crazy. 7 is a 100 yard downhill par 3 on the edge of the cliff. Unlike 17 that goes out toward the water, 7 parallels it. Cannot wait to see it in the afternoon when the wind kicks up. 8 is a layup off the tee and then a long shot over a ravine to a small heart-shaped green. Factoid: Previous US Open winners, Nicklaus, Watson, Kite and Woods, at Pebble played 8 in +1. Watson and Kite birdied the hole once. Phil has played it +4 at least once which is why the Golf Channel guy assumes he has not won here.
Speaking of Phil – he was not on property today. Since it was his 40th birthday he celebrated by playing at Cypress Point. We should all be so lucky…hope he had a nice day.
I have written in previous years that I am blessed and privileged with the opportunity to attend the Opens and see and do what I do. And that is oh so true once again. Sometimes in life we are just in the right place at the right time. Yesterday was one of those times.
Today at 7 a.m. we were part of a 4-man marshal team that was dedicated to Tiger Woods. Our task was to scout areas one shot ahead of him where the crowd could be too close, unruly, need to be moved away from an errant shot – things like that. We are inside the ropes.
We have our own ropes to cordon off areas to keep the spectators away from the ball and the player. I was amazed that people saw the rope and assumed we were something out of the ordinary. But then I have been told that before many times but we shall not dwell on reasons why. I am still trying to come to grips with the fact I walked 9 holes with Tiger Woods.
On 12 he missed the green. My partner and I were responsible for keeping the crowd away from the ball and roping off the area for him to hit the shot. He’s 10 feet away. Let’s be clear – we see this on television! Pretty amazing…
So here’s the real deal…when Tiger plays he is accompanied by the head of security for the USGA. Not just here – everywhere. He has two armed guards, two or three plain clothes with weapons and another security guy. He also is assigned a group of marshals to do just what we did this morning.
This week the USGA decided to send a dedicated marshal group out with Phil as well. So there are 10 of us – 2 groups of 5 that will be assigned to lead/follow Tiger or Phil for the rest of the weekend. Tomorrow morning at 8:06 we will be working Phil’s group going off 10. Friday morning at the same time we will work Tiger’s group. Keep in mind that Phil’s group includes Padraig Harrington and YE Yang. Tiger is playing with Ernie Els and Lee Westwood. Now I ask you…if you are a golfer can life get any freaking better than this?
If only to be able to have a camera to record walking the 18th with Tiger and Phil’s group – inside the ropes! And we assume they will both play the weekend as well. Still trying to wrap my head around this one to put it mildly.
I would love to go on and on but another early morning coming our way so off the la-la land. Tomorrow is another blog. Stay tuned...and thanks for the very nice messages. I'm glad you enjoy the vicarious living :)
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