Live at the US Open - Olympic - Thursday June 21, 2012

The 2012 US Open has come to its end.  The players, all save one, have either gone home, to the Traveler’s or more likely to a bar.   Only US Open Champion Webb Simpson went home happy and to ponder this life-changing event.  Like many we went home with many wonderful memories and stories.  We are thrilled to be back and I am looking forward to playing golf not watching it!

Olympic proved to be quite a test unlike Congressional last year.  The players at Congressional loved that they could throw darts at the greens and they would hold.  Unfortunately for them Rory was the dart-master and made everyone look like so many journeymen.  This year Olympic itself ruled the day and while one man ultimately prevailed many could have lifted the trophy and worn the Jack Nicklaus medal.

Olympic is a beautiful golf course.  Someday I hope to see what it looks like without the US Open tents, stands, port-a-potties, etc.   There are two and a half courses at Olympic – the Lake which is where the tournament was played – the Ocean which was pretty much destroyed to house the Open – and a 9 hole par 3 Cliffs which is I’m told right on the ocean.  If you look at the picture down a ways on the right that says ‘breathtaking’ I never saw that hole.  After walking the course I commented to Jeff that I had obviously made a mistake in getting that photo because there wasn’t a hole on the course that remotely resembled it.  If fact, no holes on the Lake course are on the ocean.  The hole pictured is part of the par 3 Cliffs course that sits on the bluffs above the Pacific.

I went back and reread some of last year’s posts.  What rattled my brain most was my thoughts on Rory.  On Saturday last I said: “Many are ready to crown a new king…I am thinking there might finally be a worthy heir to the throne. But know this…Rory has won exactly two professional tournaments! One PGA at Quail Hollow and one European at Dubai. Let’ really talk about this in another 10 to 15 wins. Another major or two?”  Well, since then he has won three times.  Two events were in Asia in the fall and the Honda Classic.  He was a non-factor in last year’s British Open and PGA and was 15 shots behind 2012 Masters winner Bubba Watson.  And well, he missed the cut at Olympic.  I worried last year about the press and fans anointing Rory the new king.  Heavy on the head wears the crown or something along those lines.  This young man from a little town in Northern Ireland was supposed to set the world on fire and instead was quickly brought back to reality by those ever-lovable golf gods.  I am sure part of the free-fall was of his own making but mostly because of the intense pressure put upon him by we the people.

As time goes by I believe that the wondrous achievements of Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods will become even more amazing and probably unattainable.  We have had 15 different major winners since Tiger last won a major at Torrey Pines showing how difficult the task is to do more than once.  There are about 100 one-time major winners and only three double-digit winners  since the 1860s when Willie Park and Old Tom Morris first won the Claret Jug.  No need to wonder why the USGA honored Jack Nicklaus by adding his name to the Open medal.

Random thought…there needs to be a new way to tally the world golf rankings.  Tiger remained #1 for months/years after his injuries and then his fall from grace without playing.  Now the top spot is all over the place.  Luke Donald, as fine a golfer as he is, is he really #1?  He was thoroughly overmatched at Olympic.  Is Rory really #1 with his year from Open to Open?  Is Westwood?  A single major between the three of them?  Do we need this type of ranking in such a fickle sport where one plays when it suits the schedule?  Imagine being #1 in any other sport without playing every game.  Just wondering…

Thank you all for following my yearly indulgence…I hope you enjoyed it.  Thank you for all your thanks and praise.  Some of you said you could not comment so I promise to figure that out before next year.  So now with the last blog I finally got my ducks in a row and posted pictures down the right hand side...nice work!

Thanks mostly to Jeff for traipsing after me one more time.  He takes the wonderful pictures, puts up with me typing away at all hours of the late night or early mornings to write this craziness and is all around terrific about the entire thing.

That’s it folks…the laundry is done, the cat is back home and all is right with the world.  Next year comes Merion!  Should be lovely in June in Philadelphia.

But…before you go…let me tell you there will be a small detour on the road to Philadelphia…there is an event coming up…

And yes, thanks to my dear sister whose name was drawn for tickets, we are going.  I am thrilled beyond words that I can attend.  This I am certain will be a once in a lifetime event.  So come September keep an eye out for …. Live at the Ryder Cup – Medinah!

Live at the US Open - Olympic - Sunday June 17, 2012

Happy Birthday sister Pam! I have been blessed these many years to have you for my big sister.

Happy Father’s Day Jeff, David, Morgan and Trevor. And a get-ready to Scott.

I wish my father had lived long enough to know about my US Open adventures. He was a very good golfer in his time and always wished that I had had more interest in the game as a child. And how I wish I had taken advantage of the opportunities I had growing up to hone my golf game. But, he did install in me a love for the game which is why I spend a week of my life each year at the US Open.

I remember my hero, Arnold Palmer, losing to Billy Casper right here at Olympic. My father and I were devastated. Only imagine Arnie’s devastation. I could never root for Casper after that. They say Arnie never got over it. I rarely cheered on Jack Nicklaus because he stole the King’s crown. The only time I remember rooting for Jack was at the ’86 Masters. And that was grudgingly.

So here we are with the US Open at Olympic over and done. It was, as usual, an amazing week. There were thrills and chills and a rather surprising, welcome (in my humble opinion) outcome.

Congratulations to Webb Simpson!

An amazing comeback!

Webb Simpson WON the 2012 US Open. He did not back into it. He came from 6 shots back early in the round. And he missed four birdie putts on the back nine. He could have run away with it. He shot 68 both Saturday and Sunday. He won it! And I’m certain it is because I drove him to his car on Tuesday afternoon! Okay, that is funny. But I did have a nice conversation with him and I am thrilled he won.
Call me crazy but I’m glad that the trophy doesn’t reside in Northern Ireland three years in a row. That said Graeme McDowell almost sent us into Monday. He played well, came back after a few dicey holes and just seems to be the nicest guy ever. And he’s cute too.

Jim Furyk had it – and he lost it. For a player as steady as he has always been it was truly a surprise he let it slip away.

Ernie almost found the magic once again.

I hated to see Beau Hossler finish as he did and not win low amateur. He led the tournament at one time for heaven’s sakes. This is not the last we have heard from him I think.

Lee Westwood was snake-bit again having his ball decide it should find a home up in a cypress tree. I hated to see that after he came back from the horrific start on Friday. He deserved better.

David Toms bounced back from +6 to -2. Great job!

And then there is Tiger. He thrills us. He brings us to the brink. He makes us think he has returned to the days when he roamed the golf courses of the world at his leisure and beat them all to a pulp. He teases us. He makes us remember…he makes us want more. He disappoints. Only time will tell if he can truly put it all together again.

Here are my observations…

Love Webb Simpson. Love Graeme McDowell.

Worry about the pressure put on kids like Beau Hossler. Hope he doesn’t let the fact he did not win Low Amateur because he thought he might possibly win the US Open ruin him.

What is up with Phil? I worry that he is physically done. That would be a travesty. He is not dialed in. At least not now. Maybe the past few years have taken their toll – Amy, his mother, his arthritis. He typically does not mail it in. He did today.

Tiger is not yet back and may never be. However there is no greater force in the game. Maybe no greater force in sport. Love him. Hate him. He is still Tiger Woods and the people flock to him in droves. You must be at a tournament where he plays to understand what he brings each time he tees it up.

Today was great. It would have been beyond words had Tiger been in the mix. The electricity in the air on Thursday and Friday was palpable. Everyone felt it. Game on!

Yesterday you could feel the tournament change as Tiger struggled. It was like a balloon that slowly leaked its air.

There was little electricity in the air today. It was Sunday at the US Open but that feeling one has when Tiger is lurking – when the hair stands up on the back of your neck – was not there. He does not have to win…he just needs to be there. Like it or not – that is the truth. I was surprised to see empty spots on the hill at the 8th green. I was surprised there were late seats at 18. Guaranteed that would not have been the case had Tiger still been a factor.

All that said it was truly a wonderful Open. This may be the pinnacle of Webb Simpson’s career or the jumping off point to amazing feats. Hopefully the latter for a (seemingly) fine young man.

We have all watched Bob Costas for years. He is truly unflappable. But even he did not know what to do about the total jackwad that tried to ruin the award ceremonies. May you reap what you sow.

Final thoughts coming your way Tuesday or Wednesday. Driving home tomorrow. Good evening.

Live at the US Open - Olympic - Saturday June 16, 2012

Well Saturday was eventful. What amazing comebacks by those seemingly out of it. Lee Westwood comes to mind first. Ernie. Retief Goosen for heaven sakes. Have we time-traveled back a decade? It's cool. Kudos to Furyk and McDowell. Terrific play under such pressure. Then there was Tiger. The best part about tomorrow is it still wide open. Nothing close to last year's foregone conclusion. It's going to be great fun. Sorry so short but dinner and very early call in the morning. Early Happy Father's Day!

Live at the US Open - Olympic - Friday June 15, 2012

#1? #2? See you boys later.

Masters winner? Ditto.

Amateur Beau Hossler – 17 – lead the tournament for a brief time

One under is leading going into moving day.

Tiger Woods has a share of the lead.

The USGA was found dancing in the streets of San Francisco as Olympic bared its teeth and chewed up some of the world’s best. This my friends is NOT Congressional! The US Open is back!

You need only to look at the first 10 names on the leaderboard. Yes, you see Woods, Toms, Furyk and McDowell. But you also see Michael Thompson, John Peterson, Blake Adams and Nicolas Colsaerts . Now there is the who’s who of the golf world. Within 6 shots are some of the best players in the world and a few more unknowns. It is anyone’s to win. This is just what was supposed to happen.

It is difficult to describe the beauty of Olympic. It is breathtaking. And with Mother Nature blessing the peninsula with almost unheard of warm, sunny June days, it is nothing short of amazing.

#3 awaiting Phil, Bubba and Tiger

It was lovely to sit in the sunshine at the par 3 3rd and watch Tiger make birdie.  We wandered over to the par 3 8th to sit on the hill once again.  This slope has become a veritable skating rink as the long, elephant grass has been trampled into a scary slickness.  It was actually difficult in places to sit and not slide down into the person in front of you.  We took a leisurely walk around holes that we really hadn't been out to -- 11 and 13.  Not much going on until the masses arrived.  We waited in line to sit at 17 to watch the action where the birdies are supposed to be on the back.  We saw some great shots and some not so great shots.

This was a great looking shot that went bad.  Should have been birdie after third...bad puttEnjoy the fun!

There has been a lot of discussion about the shaved fronts and backs of some greens.  Tiger on 17 an example.  As we watched 8 we saw three shots come up, players are walking up to their balls and one was sitting about 10 feet short.  Tommy Biershenk stood near his ball and watched it suddenly roll all the way back down the slope.  Now he has a 70 yard pitch.   Great shot up to the green, too much spin and it rolled almost as far back as the last shot.  Double!

So tomorrow is Open moving day and it will be fun to see who moves where.  I believe there is another 66 out there somewhere.  I know there are lots more 78s unless the USGA decided to leave the mowers in the shed and watered all night long.  Even so by the 3 pm starting time for Furyk and Woods the course will still have dried out a lot.  It is supposed to be 81!

Live at the US Open - Olympic - Thursday June 14, 2012

Overlooking the 8th green -- look at this crowd waiting for the Big 3

Well, wasn’t this an interesting day? Whoever would have thought there would be five train wrecks involving five of the best players in the world? And then some. It was hard to watch. Of course for me it would have been harder if Tiger was one of them but still. But let’s not forget there is way more fun to come for these guys tomorrow!


If I recall on Wednesday I commented on Johnson and Donald and driving and iron practice. Since they are at +5 and +7 respectively I guess it didn’t matter which club they practiced with. However Donald is known as a weak driver of the ball and he certainly showed it yesterday. I know he did not hit a fairway on the front and certainly not many on the back. Maybe he needs to practice a bit with his driver.

Today was beautiful and warm and no fog. Absolutely stellar and more in store for tomorrow and Saturday. I hear locals comment about how rare it is to have this weather at this time of year at the edge of the Pacific. Not sure why it could not have been like this the three days we had to work until 8 pm and almost froze to death…just one of those lucky breaks.

The crowds were out in full force and it is only Thursday. Perhaps it is the makeup of the course that makes it feel more crowded than in previous years. It is hard to move around in some places – there are choke points that take awhile to get through. The solution? Do not go there. Walk around if possible. And speaking of walking…it is hazardous to one’s health. Built on the side of a rather steep hill there is a lot of navigating up and down. I saw one poor lady slip and slide all the way down on her backside. It hurt to watch.

And spectator walking is the easy part. In past years I have talked about walking the courses and how tiring it is for the players. Olympic takes the cake – by far. I heard someone say it reminded him of Augusta with the huge undulations that are really hard to see on television. The players have a walk up a 45% hill to get from one green to the tee and from 7 to 8 they have to walk almost the entire length of 8 to get back to the tee box. We walked Pebble and Congressional five days in a row the last two years and I’m not sure we could do Olympic for five days. I wish I was trying, however.

Last thought on this…I believe that the players who pulled the afternoon draw on Thursday were at a disadvantage from the start. First the course really firmed up in the afternoon. Second they did not get done until early evening. They have the early start tomorrow so not much rest. If the winner comes from this bracket extra kudos to him. The good news for the three Euros in the “Second Marquee” group…unless they get their mojo going they get to go to the airport early in the afternoon.

And the “Marquee” groups as the USGA calls them just doesn’t sit well. I realize the six of them are the people everyone wants to see but it sets them apart from the rest of the field even more than they are under normal circumstances. I cannot wrap my little brain around this being the right thing to do even if TV wants it. And I think history may show it doesn’t do those players involved any favors either when it comes how they played. When we were sitting at the 8th Green for awhile we saw several non-Marquee groups do a much better job of circling the pin with their tee shots.

San Francisco – what a great city. Have not seen any of it past the hotel doors and the freeway to Candlestick where we catch the shuttle. Hope to change that starting tonight. There is this really interesting bar across the street I’m dying to try…

We did have an unpleasant happening…Jeff lost his wallet yesterday. Not sure if it was stolen out of his pocket or it fell out. Nothing in lost and found yesterday or this morning. The usual credit cards, ID and not a little cash gone. Really puts a damper on the experience.

Jeff received a call this afternoon (and yes, volunteers can have phones in the course this year – yeah!) from a hole marshal who said one of his friends had found Jeff’s wallet. What a relief! But then the cynic is us wonders what will be in it…will the cash be gone? When Jeff was checking L&F another man came in to find his wallet turned in – sans cash. So we get on the phone with the gentleman, he lives on the way back to the city and we will stop on Potrero Hill to pick it up.

It was a relief to find that the wallet was intact including all the cash. We forget that there are still honest people in this world and how lucky we were that one of them found Jeff’s wallet. We send many thanks to DB. So here is the funniest part of all this…

Jeff asked him where he had found it. It was near a drop spot for the carts. He said that he never would had seen it if he hadn’t turned around to gaze at a young woman who had just walked by. Jeff asked if she had on a very short black skirt and DB said “why yes.” “And underneath was a bright orange thong?” “That was her!” There is not anything else to say…

Trying to get Rory to sign my flag -- no luck :(

The 9th hole

And the winner of the Open Outfit of the Year Award!

Live at the US Open - Olympic - Wednesday June 13, 2012

From way atop the 18th grandstand...

Now the fun begins in earnest...practice is over and perhaps the talking heads will stop over-analyzing the event like it was more important than a presidential election.  Oh, I forgot - it is!  For the next four days at any rate.

I must say that today was a bit weird...there were more people in attendance than the usual Wednesday.  And there were seemingly few players on the course.  I talked to hole marshals who stood around with no groups through for an hour.  I had a fan ask where the players were - he said the course was a beautiful walk but he came to see players.  I heard that Rory and Lee did go off on the front 9 and there was a huge crowd over there but it was time for us to go to work.

I think many players were on the range and putting greens and did not play.  Both were very busy.  We watched Dustin Johnson hit balls...unbelievable how far he can hit them.  And pretty straight too...but can't we all kill them on the range?  Interesting that next to him was Luke Donald.  While Johnson was bombing them with multiple drivers Luke was perfecting that short iron game which has served him pretty well in recent years.  Isn't he #1 or something like that?

I know most players were on site because their cars were there.  I saw many of them leave carrying their clothes for tomorrow and most had this bag over their shoulders...a little bigger than a shopping bag...that had a pattern of huge flowers on it and came in bright colors -- pink, dark baby blue, grass green.  Seriously?  I hope those were trinkets for their wives/girlfriends but they looked a bit weird going to their cars.  Of course only one player actually walked where the public was with his bag - Jason Day.  And he is bigger and taller than he looks on TV.  And some of the pros drive like maniacs...Zach Johnson almost ran me over.

I took a nice young man from Stanford up the putting green.  I asked the obvious considering he had on a Stanford pullover and hat - I assume you go to Stanford.  He said he was a sophomore...he finished his sophomore year - this morning (Wed)!  Had just taken his last final and here he was playing in the US Open.  I know I should know his name but I do not...

That's the daily scoop...can't wait to see what happens on Day 1.  No doubt lots of thrills, cheers and groans alike.  The leaders will compliment the course and the USGA for a fine job...those that shoot high numbers will like say the opposite.  After last year I cannot wait to see how the course plays...I think the USGA can't either.

 ps - lots of pics to come but they have to be resized...almost blew up the blog trying to post them!



 

Live at the US Open - Olympic - Tuesday June 12, 2012

View up the 8th to the Clubhouse

Tuesday, practice day, is done. It was a beautiful day – blue sky and sunshine all over the peninsula. Even though we did not have a shift until 3 pm we arrived early.

Tiger was walking off the 8th green and into the ether as we got to the green. And I think it was about 9:15. So much for Tiger.

We decide to just wander the course a bit…we run into McIlroy, McDowell, Westwood and Karlsson. A good group. A big crowd following this group. It was my opportunity to get Rory to sign my Congressional flag. Huge failure! He did not appear too happy, looked away from the fans, never smiled, kept on moving. There were a lot of young fans that were waiting for him that were disappointed. Bummer.

While Jeff is on the phone being hassled by customers I’m hanging at a green and lo and behold! There is Phil playing with three relative unknowns. He likes to do this I guess. He was helping the guys he was playing with or it appeared so. What was most strange was what wasn’t there – an adoring crowd. That was surprising.

Ran into Rickie Fowler who was also playing with unknowns and there was a huge crowd following him. He was a vision in royal blue…when is he going to shave?

I spent a lot of today looking at the course. It is absolutely gorgeous with incredible, old cypress trees. It is built on a hillside – a steep hillside. I was told by a member that the San Francisco Golf Club turned down the property way back when and built its course across the lake – Merced I think. They deemed it to be too steep to be a proper course. SF Club is said to be rather nice itself. So much for those visionaries, however. Olympic is the championship course that has hosted multiple US Opens.

I do not have the picture yet but there are two grandstands at 18 green. Usually there are two or three that surround the green. Here – there is 1. But there is a second stand that is at least 100 feet above the green. It is the first nosebleed section of a US Open. As I said, the course is built on a steep hillside. Tomorrow the plan is to get a photo from that stand…it is pretty crazy.

At 3 we begin running people up and down the hills…most need the lift – some do not. About 4 the fog rolls in and the wind starts to come up and the temperature drops 15 degrees in a hurry. I have four layers on and am freezing…my poor fingers have turned white for lack of circulation. And there are people – well women – that are in skirts, shorts, sleeveless shirts, sandals. I do not know how they do it. When the men are cold you know it’s cold. How I wish I had gloves with me. Oh, and this is about the time the leaders will be on the back 9 on the weekend. Makes me cold to think about it.

Two highlights of the day…

I’m sitting in my cart near the clubhouse and Webb Simpson walks up and asks for a lift to the players’ parking lot. How cool is that? He was the nicest guy. We talked about the first 6 holes that everyone is talking about. He agreed they are pretty hard but wasn’t over the top about them. When he got to his car, i.e. Lexus, he asked my name and thanked me for the ride. Which was pretty nice since it is my job. I will say that his ridiculously bright green slacks were a bit much. (FYI, the players’ parking lot looks like a Lexus car lot…bet you are surprised that Lexus is a huge sponsor.)

I go right back to the same spot and an older man asks me to take him to the Limo/Taxi exit. Since his friend was saying thank you and a bunch of stuff I looked at his badge and he is Robert Trent Jones, Jr.! In case you do not know, he is one of the premier golf course designers in the world. He followed in his father’s footsteps. He designed Chambers Bay which will host the 2015 US Open. We talked a bit about that when he heard I was from Seattle. He said it was a bit strange to be tweaking one of his courses that is only 5 years old. He also said that Olympic made changes to #8 for this Open that his father had recommended some 40 years ago. Meeting him was pretty special.

A trip to Whole Foods for wine, beer and salads for dinner and we are done for the day. As always we know we are blessed to have this experience. I love sharing it with you. Good night…

Live at the US Open - Olympic - Monday June 11, 2012

We’re back! It is Live! The US Open at Olympic Club in San Francisco, CA.

What could be colder on a gorgeous, sunny day? Olympic sits at the edge of the Pacific…and you know it. Even if you cannot see it, you feel it. Today was absolutely stellar…clear, sunny and warm. And warm is relative to be certain. The sun is supposed to shine most if not all days which is excellent. Should make for very firm, fast conditions unlike last year. That fact the sun is out does not mean it will be warm. I wish I had brought some long sleeve shirts if not long underwear.

This year we are Disabled Access again…not sure how that happened but we had a great time at Bethpage and we will have a fabulous time here. Keep in mind that today is Monday and it was our first shift – but! Unless things change the disabled folks will get to go to #16, #17 and the driving range. That’s it! The powers-that-be have decided the carts are not allowed anywhere else on the course. It is rather painful for the disabled folks and for us volunteers because the drive up and down the same route is relatively uninteresting. I’m thinking this might change somewhat because there are approximately 16 other holes that deserve a look-see. Stay tuned for this update.

Tomorrow we are going early so we can do our usual picture taking and walk the course. So tomorrow’s blog will have (hopefully) lots more interesting tidbits about the course which we did not see much of today. I can tell you that most of the people who asked me for a ride had drinks in their hands or were workers. The folks who really needed the rides were kind and so very grateful. I took one Olympic member (on crutches), wife and son to the shuttle. The son, about 13, was a sign bearer…the kids always do this. The sign has the players and their scores for all to see. The mom could not remember the name of the pro her son was with – really mom? – but whoever he was he let the kid play 6 holes with him. How cool is that? That young man who apparently is a pretty good golfer will never forget that kindness as long as he lives. Pay it forward.

When was the last time you were in a sand trap and a 40,000 square foot tent was right in front of you? That is the Merchandise Tent. It was pretty weird but it makes you remember that there are two courses at Olympic, one that is played and the other that is trashed for tents, parking lots, shuttle buses, etc. This is why the USGA pays the big bucks to host courses – they have to redo half the place when everybody leaves. The Olympic folks put their feet down about some things – there are trees coming up in the middle of the places like right outside the Merchandise Tent. No way trees were coming down – just work around them. Kudos to Olympic!

That’s pretty much it for today but let me tell you about the trip here. We decided to do a road trip thinking we would just zoom down I5. Decided to cut over to the coast at Grants Pass, OR. We ended up in Trinidad, CA at the Bishop Pine Lodge. We stayed there six years ago when we took our motorcycle trip. Little, rustic cabins in a beautiful setting. Would have been perfect if the CA pollens had not invaded my nose. From the time we crossed the state line and into Santa Rosa/Sonoma it was misery. I did manage to drown my sorrows – literally – in some wonderful wines. Happily for me it is too darn cold in San Francisco for the pollens to hang out so my nose and I are happy once again.

We were awestruck by the amazing Redwoods, the beauty of the California coastline and the fact we are blessed once more with this incredible adventure. Time to go…same time tomorrow.

The Redwoods

 

                                                     The Coast

Bishop Pine Lodge

                                                                                Crossing the Golden Gate into San Francisco

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Beautiful scene looking up to the putting green