Live at the US Open - Chambers Bay - June 24, 2015 Final Thoughts

The 2015 US Open at Chambers Bay is over.  There are those who would say “mercifully over.”


It had everything the USGA could have possibly hoped for.  It had outstanding weather, an amazing human interest story and high drama on Sunday afternoon up to the very last putt.

It had a few things the USGA could have done without.  There was controversy over the greens and limited spectator access to so much of the course.  The FOX coverage was adequate at best.  I would imagine the USGA thought it should have been better.  There were numerous complaints and whining over the greens and their condition.  There was Gary Player.

It is true that this Open was not a great place to view the competition.  There were five holes that had no grandstand including three in a row – 2, 3 and 4.  On the ground viewing was more than problematic.  The sand berms you saw were off limits to spectator in most cases.  The reason was undoubtedly to save a lot of the course from damage but also for safety.  I personally saw several people slide or fall off berms that were roped off.  Many of the fairways were extremely wide and so if there was a place to stand many times it was far away from the action.  The 18^th hole grandstand was huge (6000 people), had real seats instead of benches but it was set quite a ways back from the green.  In some locations in the stand if you got yourself a seat in the lower rows you had a tough time seeing the green.  The course layout itself dictates where grandstands can be placed and where fans can stand or sit to view. One last thought on this…the corporate hospitality areas were also set way back from the course and in a few cases you could see almost nothing.  I realize that they all have TVs every five feet so the guests can watch the play while they drink and eat but if I was paying the USGA those huge dollars I would want a much better seat in the house. If the Open comes back again I believe this should/will be rectified in some manner.  Fans pay a lot of money to see the competition.  Many did not get their money’s worth.  Unfortunate.

One thing we saw and heard more at this Open than in any other (or in any other tournament I can think of) is player complaints about the greens and almost everything else they could think of.  The whining and negative attitudes were unacceptable in my opinion.  Many of them behaved like spoiled little boys instead of grown men who are working.  The vast majority of us would trade our jobs for the drudgery of working outside in usually good or great weather, getting everything we wear for free, getting every club for free, flying private jets everywhere and having the opportunity to win huge amounts of money.  And that doesn’t count the endorsement money.  Certainly not all but many players behaved like prima donnas because the greens were not perfectly manicured by white-gloved hands with tweezers.  They should try playing the munis that most people play.  People who love the game put up with five to six hour rounds on courses that barely have grass on the fairways or sand in the traps. 

I know these guys understand that the conditions were the same for all.  One day you get the morning and one day the afternoon.  Most of the time it evens out.  If you liked the afternoon conditions then by all means play better and play your way up the scoreboard to the leader board.  It’s pretty much that simple.   As we were leaving Sunday early afternoon we were stopped at the 18^th tee crossing for Ernie Els’ twosome.  We could not see his drive or where it landed.  As he reached the crossing he slammed his drive hard into the ground twice.  Obviously he wasn’t happy with his shot.  This young man behind me went berserk.  He yelled at the top of his lungs to Ernie that (and I paraphrase) if you are going to behave like a spoiled child and you are unhappy that you are here competing for our National Championship then by all means stay home and let other players and would-be qualifiers have the chance.  Ernie turned around to look at who yelled with an amazed look on his face.  The guy had the cajones to yell again that it was he who said it and he meant it.

And then there is Gary Player.  I cannot begin to understand what possessed him to go off on Chambers Bay and everything about it.  As an amateur with hardly a single digit handicap I have played CB and found it to be an amazing, challenging course.    I played with a friend, a scratch golfer who has played the best courses around the country and Europe, who thinks Chambers Bay is one of the all-time best courses he’s played.   One cannot help but wonder if Gary has a bit of sour grapes because he did not win the contract to design Chambers Bay.  Gary Player’s diatribe was as uncalled for as it was stunning.  He should have known better.

As far as the final outcome of the Open goes I think Dustin Johnson should be proud of how he played.  I cannot imagine his disappointment and shock that could not two putt from 13’.  It wasn’t the first time and it won’t be the last.  I personally am disappointed that he chose to blow off the trophy ceremony.  It was rude and unbecoming.  Golfers pride themselves on honesty, integrity and responsibility.  He was right to talk about how his family is his number one priority as it should be.  But I think it was a slap the fans, to Louie O who probably would have loved to leave as well and in particular to Jordan.  Jordan who did what he had to do – birdie the 18^th hole.

 The sad news is that we will not be going to Oakmont next year.  We have done seven Opens and we think it is time to expand the horizons to other tournaments.  Perhaps the PGA or the Players.  And if so Live at the ? will be back with a vengeance.  We do hope to go back to the Open in two or three years and definitely for Pebble Beach in 2019.  So never fear – I shall return!

Now stepping off the soapbox…

We all know that the game of professional golf has changed dramatically in the past 19 years because of one Tiger Woods.  Love him or hate him he has done more to change the game than anyone since Arnold Palmer.  We have followed Tiger and marveled at his accomplishments and his play.  We had a front row seat (literally at Torrey Pines and Pebble Beach) watching the most amazing golf in history.  When I think about Tiger today I am sad.  Such greatness should not be reduced to the ordinary or the embarrassing.  I wonder if the man will be able to right his ship – repair his body and in particular his mind – to again compete at the highest level.  And yes, win at the highest level.  I do hope so.  I would bet money that his colleagues wish the same.

I do not think Jordan Spieth is the next Tiger Woods.  I am not at all certain there will be anyone even remotely like Tiger every again.  But that does not mean Jordan cannot take the reins, arguably already has (at least for a US golfer) and take the game to a place we do not yet see.  I hope he does and it will be another great ride for those of us who love the game.

I cannot wait for the Open when Jordan steps to the tee and is introduced as the winner of the 2015 Masters and the 2015 US Open.  Can he possibly make it three in a row?  We shall see.

Thanks as always to Jeff for going along with me on my crazy US Open journeys.  He takes the pictures, edits my posts and smiles.  And thank you all for taking time to read my thoughts and enjoying them.  I so appreciate all your emails and comments and I am so glad you have been along for the ride.

Until next time -   wherever it may be…keep you head down.

 

 

 

Live at the US Open - Chambers Bay - Sunday June 21, 2015 Part II

Congratulations to Jordan Spieth.  What an amazing performance!  Just when we thought he had it in the bag he hits a shot on 17 that made our blood pressure go up.  Doubtless his did as well.  But he played 18 to perfection and made the required 4’ putt to go ahead and ultimately win our National Championship.  My guess is there are going to be multiple major wins in his future.  Good heavens – he has multiple major wins in his past!  Hard to remember he is 21.

With the most recent outstanding golf rivalry for all intents and purposes on its deathbed we now have a new one.  Jordan and Rory.  Two handsome, nice, well-mannered young men will go at it for years to come.  I cannot wait.  And let’s hope that Jason Day and Rickie Fowler soon make it into the conversation as well.  Golf is in a good place and I think in good hands.

Sunday morning at the Open is a quiet time.  Those at the bottom of the leader board come through with arguably a lot of half-hearted play. (I wonder why we think that all who make the cut are “on the leader board.”  There is nothing leading about 10, 12, 15 over when the real leaders are at 4 under.  Just sayin…)  Spectators arrived in bits and pieces.  Phil was out early and there was a pretty good crowd that followed him anyway.  I watched him walk up the hill to our tee and he was moving slowly.  Did not have the usual spring in his step which is understandable I guess.   The highest finisher we saw before our shift ended was Sergio Garcia.  By the time we left the course it was packed everywhere.  The crowd was so ready for a showdown and they were not disappointed.

I think Sunday mid-day was the most beautiful of the week.  It was picture-perfect and as I gazed out on the Sound once last time this week I was reminded how lucky I am to live in such a gorgeous area of our country.  There is no doubt in my mind that Chambers Bay is right there with Pebble Beach for incredible scenery with views from almost every hole.  Surprising as it may be we have had almost no rain since March. Because of that Chambers Bay was brown in many areas that normally would have been green.

Sunday afternoon’s competition in my opinion was the best I have seen in my seven Opens.  Or tied with Torrey and Tiger.  It was close at Oakmont with Cabrera and Tiger.  Tiger late on Sunday at Torrey was the one for the ages.  Bethpage was just survival.  Pebble was great on Saturday afternoon but things went south on Sunday for Dustin, Tiger and Phil.  Congressional was a runaway.  Olympic never caught the magic perhaps because Webb Simpson was such an unknown.  While Sunday started slow it heated up like crazy.

Sunday at Chambers Bay.  Rory got it to -2 and the crowd was loving it.  Adam Scott lit it up with 64. (I think he would do anything to keep Stevie around)  Sneds was on fire for awhile.  Cameron Smith finished T4 and he is only 21 too.  Louie Oosthuizen – what an amazing turnaround to be leader in the clubhouse and almost get to a playoff.  He shot a 67 with three early bogies.  29 on the back?  Why were players complaining?   Branden Grace.  He played with style (and grace) and a single errant shot took him out of it with three to go. (and what an errant shot that was!  Oh my.)

Jason Day.  We all watched the way he struggled Saturday and Sunday yet he perservered and finished.  He never complained.  He just did it.  I am in awe of him.  I can think of numerous players who really could use a lesson from Jason about never quitting, never giving up, never complaining and always being the best you can be in the most difficult circumstances.   If golf ever decides to give an award for courage and honor it should be the Jason Day Award.

Dustin was awesome on the front while Jordan appeared nervous.  Then it was a 180 degree switch on the back.  Jordan calmed down and got into control and Dustin lost the mojo.  On the back – Dustin had 3 bogies and a birdie.  But Jordan had three birdies and a double.  Bottom line is this…Jordan had to birdie to beat Oosthuizen and he did.  Dustin had to birdie to tie Jordan and he did not.  The better man on Sunday won.  69 vs 70.  They played the same course, the same greens and in my opinion the discussion should end there.  It was edge of your seat, biting your fingernails golf and it was exciting as hell. 

Congratulations to Jordan Spieth.  He is the winner of the two most prestigious championships in US golf and perhaps all of golf.   We are in awe of this young man and his talents.

 Chambers Bay was everything a US Open should be.   Cannot wait for 2016 at Oakmont.

Live at the US Open - Chambers Bay - Sunday June 21, 2015

Happy Father’s Day to all especially David, Morgan, Trevor and Scott.  Hope you had wonderful days.

Happy Birthday Dana and Bob.  Many more.

What were you doing when you were 21?

Jordan Spieth

2 Major Golf Championships in 2015

Amazing

Enough said

Tomorrow wrap up.  Can’t get my thoughts together enough right now.  My head is swimming.  Can you imagine?  Thank you.

Live at the US Open - Chambers Bay - Saturday June 20, 2015

It’s Saturday early evening and the US Open moving day marathon is over.  For a bunch of guys who shot even par or worse – save Mr Day – it was pretty darn exciting.  And tomorrow should have enormous drama with four tied for the lead and four others three shots behind.  It is truly anyone’s championship to win – or to lose.

It was very hard to watch Jason Day start the round and even harder to watch as he struggled mightily to stay upright.  How he managed a 68 is beyond my comprehension. I admit I would love to see an US player win the Open because we haven’t won it in several years.  If we do not, I truly hope it is Jason Day.  I worry that he is pushing himself to the limit because it is a major.  Any other tournament he would have withdrawn.  And rightly so.

Good luck to all.  May the best man win.

It was quite interesting to watch on TV rather than be on site.  The course looks so very different in person.  Without all the people, grandstands, tents and roads it looks incredibly different.   If you are into lush, green golf courses you cannot understand Chambers Bay.  If you are into links courses like one sees in the British Isles or at Bandon Dunes then you love Chambers Bay.

I thought moving day did not move much.  The only players that really moved were Patrick Reed and Louis Oosthuizen – in opposite directions.  I have to say I was very surprised by Reed’s play.  I make no judgment on Reed’s scandals since there are no facts.  I think his arrogance as a young player is stupid and misplaced.  He has so much talent and instead of being praised as a star he is the object of derision and harassment both in the media and with fans.  A few fans were so vocal in their harassment of Reed earlier in the week they were removed from the course.  The callouts at the first tee today were unpleasant and true golf fans should know better.

And then there is FOX.  Talked a bit about it last night but having the entire day to listen to the broadcast gave me more insight.  First and foremost – get some of those people out of the booth.  Two is perfect.  Three or four is too much.  Second and maybe more important – this is a golf tournament commonly known as our National Championship.  Up until the leaders teed off it was about 45 minutes of chit chat and 15 minutes of coverage of the game per hour.  It was absolutely ridiculous and the USGA should chastise FOX immediately.  I sat there wondering what was happening on the course and I am listening to a lot of boring people being boring.  I was furious.  And I am pretty sure others would agree with me.

And how about that leaderboard graphic?  What hole was each player on???  Were only four men playing?  Occasionally we would see the next four and rarely deeper into the field.  Where was the crawl showing each player in alphabetical order?  Once an hour?  It was frustrating if you wanted to know what was happening on the course.   Not knowing what hole a player was on until he was ready to hit was beyond frustrating.  I know the course pretty well by now and could usually tell by looking at the hole.  But viewers at home?  Never.

I thought in some ways today’s coverage was much better than yesterday.  Joe and Greg seemed less nervous and more settled.  The on-course guys were ok I guess.  None are Feherty (who is?) or Maltbie.  Norman has a long way to go to be Faldo much less Miller but they were not great starting out either.  If I recall Faldo was a nervous wreck when he started.

In reviewing the tee times for tomorrow I realized that a player named Cameron Smith is 1 under and will play in the third to last group.  Up until this moment I had never heard of him.  I do not remember anyone mentioning him today.  Who is he?  Where is he from?  Is he a qualifier?  And he is 1 under within three shots of the lead.  This is not a good thing FOX.

All that said we will be there bright and not quite so early in the morning.  The last group we will probably see go through 3 before our shift ends will be Paul Casey and Jack Maguire.  After much thought we will return home and watch the fireworks on TV.  By the time our shift is finished every grandstand will be past capacity and every fairway 10 deep.  I can listen to the cheers and see each and every shot on the big screen.  It isn’t the same as being there for the back 9.  Nothing is.

Good luck to all.  Sleep well!
PS I know I promised photos.  You will see them!
PPS I misspelled Rickie Fowler’s name yesterday – shame on me!

Live at the US Open - Chambers Bay - Friday June 19, 2015

By far the most important feeling today is concern for Jason Day.  What we witnessed was very scary and incredible bravery.  I was stunned he was able to finish 9.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Jason for not only being able play tomorrow but for doctors to be able to determine the cause of his year-long struggle with vertigo.

Another morning shift today at Hole #3 – 7 am sharp.  It was a bit cool early.  The sun came out and it an incredibly gorgeous day.   I was there today because I took an extra for a friend.  Jeff volunteered to come with me (he says because he would miss me madly) and worked a shift.  He spent his time making sure the players crossing from 2 to 3 were not mauled by fans.

While I am writing this in the afternoon I have the opportunity to actually watch the TV coverage.  (Still on delay so I do not know how it finishes at the moment) 

A few first blush thoughts on Fox.  Joe Buck commented yesterday that there were 74 million Fox people on site.  That is possibly true.  One cannot turn around without a Fox person nearby.  Guess they want to get it right the first time.

·         Joe Buck.  I really like him.  He seems to be well-prepared and he can be humorous.  My problem is I can’t help thinking a football game is about to begin.   As time goes by I’m sure I will get used to him on golf.   Dan Hicks is not happy this weekend I think.
·         Greg Norman.  I admit I have never been a Norman fan.  My jury is definitely out on his color commentary because I think he needs a lot more time to prove himself.  I haven’t heard anything that makes me want to scream.  He hasn’t said anything provocative at all but that could take some time.  I honestly thought I would hate him instantly but not the case.  Again, the benefit of the doubt but I miss Johnny Miller like crazy.
·         Cory Pavin isn’t bad but three or four in the booth is too much. 
·         Having another ‘host’ booth with Curt Menefee and Tom Weiskopf is too football-y.
·         I don’t know if they talked much about the drone.  It flew around our hole #3 and #15 all week.  It’s pretty crazy to watch.  I think the pictures we saw of Jason Day being driven away was the drone.
·         Holly Sanders makes men happy.
·         Holly Sanders makes women less than happy.
·         On-course announcers – don’t even know who they are
·         The jury is still out.

Isn’t Cole Hammer just the cutest thing?  I think we thought the same a few years ago about Jordan Spieth.  Those Texans know how to raise golfers.

Yesterday as you know I managed to be present for the early shift I wasn’t assigned to.  Duh Mel!  I spent that shift on the tee and chatted up a lovely lady named Deb who was the ‘club’ person for Fox.  Did you ever wonder how the announcers know what club the player is hitting or just hit?  From the booth?    Well, there is a person on the tee that makes her/himself known to the caddies.  The caddies in turn signal to  her/him what club their players hit and that info is immediately sent to the booth.  I figure this sounds like a fun job.  Travel.  Golf.  Expenses.  Well Fox at any rate is pretty cheap.  These people make minimum wage and pay their own expenses.  They do not get uniforms or food.  In case you ever wondered…for $165.00 volunteers get the following:

 

·         2 shirts from Ralph Lauren
·         1 jacket from Ralph Lauren
·         1 hat
·         1 water bottle
·         2 commemorative pins
·         Food for each shift worked
·         Parking in a decent lot
·         Admission to all days – practice and play

Not too bad considering that a cheeseburger, chips and a soda will run you around $13.50.

Here’s a little funny info that has absolutely no value.  There are honey buckets at each tee for the players, caddies and officials.  Apparently the players make fun of their caddies when they use the potties.  Stand outside and laugh when they come out.  Today one of the players stuck a tee in the lock of the pottie locking his caddie in.  (unfortunately don’t know which player).  Meany!

It is going to be very interesting to hear what everyone has to say about Chambers Bay when all is said and done.  Some will love it and some will hate it as I said before.  I think the players are starting to figure out the course and many will embrace it.  But I am wondering if the Open will ever return for the single reason that it is not spectator-friendly.  If you are not in one of the grandstands you are pretty much searching for a place to stand in order to see something.  I heard this morning that the grandstand at 12 (the reachable uphill par 4) was full at 6:30.  Almost all the sand berms you see everywhere are not for spectators.  Yesterday some of them were commandeered by patrons to the point the USGA actually moved the ropes this morning.  While some are just not in a good place all are steep and very slippery.   I have seen many slip and fall down to the asphalt.  Steven Gallacher lost his caddy to a sprained ankle slipping.   I hope they figure it out so there is a next time.

Tomorrow is an off day for us and we will be couch potatoes.  In the words of Jimmy Buffet...”And now I must confess, I could use some rest.  I can’t run at this pace very long.” But never fear as I am sure I will have something to say about tomorrow’s goings on.

I am all in with Jordan.

I will miss Rickie this weekend.

I will miss Tiger this weekend.

But the Open will go on and it’s moving day!  Can’t wait.

 

Live at the US Open - Chambers Bay - Thursday June 18, 2015

Good Evening…

I apologize right out of the gate – this will be very short.  And it is all my fault.

Out of the kindness of my heart I took on an extra shift today for a friend who had to be out of town.  Unfortunately I thought the shift was at 7 am and it was at 12:30 pm.  So, there I am bright and early with the Hole Captain wondering why on earth I am standing there.  The second shift Captain was kind enough to let me leave after the “big guns” of the afternoon had passed by #3 but I was still gone 14 hours.  Can you spell exhausted?  And we are back at it at 7 am tomorrow morning.  This is another shift I picked up for someone and I triple checked to make sure it was in the morning.  What a dummy!  My eyes are furious with me.

It was a very interesting day and I hope you all had a chance to see some or all of it.  Am I stunned at the results?  Yes and no.  Stenson, Johnson, Reed and Kuchar?  No real surprise there.  Ben Martin?  Cody Gribble? Marc Warren?  Ben Martin has won but Gribble and Warren?  And amateur Brian Campbell!  How cool!  Never heard of them until today.  Great job!  On the other end of the spectrum – pretty grim for Tiger and Rickie Fowler.  Not sure Tiger surprised anyone but Rickie?  That’s crazy.  But tomorrow is another day.

The fact that I was actually somewhere on or around 3 tee all day from 7 to 5 make sfor some interesting tidbits.  My brain has turned to complete mush and I must sleep before tomorrow.  But I promise that tomorrow and Saturday will provide you with recaps of today and tomorrow and many of the pictures taken yesterday.  It will be worth the wait.

Thanks for your patience and for tuning in each day for the blog. I love doing it and hope you enjoy it.

Live at the US Open - Chambers Bay - Wednesday June 17, 2015

It’s Wednesday evening and the wait is almost over.  In less than 12 hours the US Open at Chambers Bay will begin.  The talking heads can finally start talking about what IS happening rather than what may or may not happen or might or might not happen or whether it really does rain in Spain or in Seattle lately for that matter.  And if the rain really falls on the plain.  Yes, it is almost that bad.

 I am not sure what about Chambers Bay has been the most controversial.  It’s age?  Eight years.  That it is a links course?  Which it is but kind of isn’t.  That the pros love it?  Yes and no.  That the pros hate it?  Yes and no.  How will Tiger play?  Heaven only knows.  Will Phil finally get that last major?  Heaven knows that as well.    That there isn’t enough room for spectators?  Yes from the perspective of someone who has seen six other opens.  No maybe if you don’t know any better.  And most important – who is going to hold the trophy Sunday evening around 8 local time.  I do not pretend to know any of the answers.  We will all know them by Sunday evening.  Let the fun begin.  I am so excited to see what happens.

We have had multiple assignments over the years – Merchandise, Disabled Access, 19^th Hole Marshal, Advance Team Marshal.  This year we are Hole Marshals and assigned to a specific hole.  #3.  The way it works is the local clubs are invited to marshal a hole and the volunteers come from the club membership.  Then other volunteers have the rest of the assignments.  Our club, Meridian Valley, drew #3.  I truly do not know how they choose which club gets what hole but we are happy with our par 3.  Do look for me Thursday, Friday and Sunday mornings J  Anyway, it is a different experience for us and we are enjoying it thoroughly.  It is so much fun to work with other members and friends.

We did not work today which meant we got up a half hour later.  We were still on site at 7 am.  The sun gets up really early at this time of year up here in the PNW.  And we get up with it much of the time.  Let’s not talk about winter when it doesn’t get light until 8 am.  Today was the last day to take photos and get autographs on the course and we took advantage of it.  Hopefully the photos will be ready for prime time tomorrow.

There were not as many players out on the course today.  And if they were they dropped off early.  We hoped to see Rickie Fowler only to find he dropped after three or four holes.  Many players were at the enormous practice area that included not only the driving range but a second putting green and an area where players were hitting pretty much any club they chose.  Very different.  We watched Dustin Johnson just bomb it and chat it up with Butch Harmon.  That guy is everywhere!  You would think he coaches everyone.  Oh, maybe he does.

One of the oddities of Chambers Bay is the driving range is not walkable to 1 or 10 tee so all players must be shuttled.  I wonder how they feel about that…they are all warmed up and then get in a shuttle.  Granted it is a minute or so ride but not their usual routine.

The Rory watch…he was out bright and early this morning with a truly Tiger-esque following.  He appears very relaxed and upbeat and expects to play well.   It is always exciting when he is in the mix.  Can you imagine if Tiger, Phil, Rory and Jordan all brought their ‘A’ games and fought it out on Sunday?  Okay only in dreams.

Yesterday at Phil’s press conference he said, unlike his usual pre-Open Wednesday where he plays another nearby course, he would be on-site practicing.  He would not play.  He said he would practice putting. Then he would practice chipping and putting.   This morning he spent over an hour putting on 16 green alone.  I think he got there really early and spent time practicing on the greens themselves not at the practice green.  Smart man!

Last.   Each year I purchase a pin flag.  They are always red with the name of the course and 18 on it.  A couple of years ago the light dawned and I decide to try to get the champion of that year to sign the flag.  I have Graeme McDowell for Pebble and Angel Cabrera for Oakmont so far.  Rory has passed me by twice and well, Tiger would be the coup.  Lucas Glover would be a cinch but that flag has disappeared for reasons I cannot fathom.  Anyway, I waited for Webb Simpson today.  Just one shot.  As he started to pass by I casually asked him to sign the Olympic flag.  Amazingly he came right over.  He had a red pen in his hand which wouldn’t have done much on a dark flag.  He said “red isn’t going to work well.”  He reached over to the kid standing next to me who had a blue pen and pretty much grabbed it from him.  He signed my flag – and the flag of the kid whose pen he snatched.  Pretty fun.

Today I remember my sister Pam whose birthday would have been today.  She left us way too early and we miss her each and every day.

Have to go…early morning.  Enjoy the day!

Live at the US Open - Chambers Bay - Tuesday June 16, 2015

Oh boy – what a day Tuesday was.  We left the house at 5:30 am and have just returned home at 7:15 pm.  Without stopping for dinner would have been 6.  It was a very long day.  Part of it we froze to death and part of it we were dying of the heat.  Welcome to the Pacific Northwest!  It was 54 and very breezy early.  Wished I had a sweater and pants.  By 11:30 I was thrilled I was in shorts.


First up at 7 am – no surprise there.  Tiger Woods.  Jordan Spieth joined him along with Henley.  Tiger’s buddy Notah Begay was with them and chatting up the world.  Everyone was laughing and having a good old time.  I mentioned players were to go back down the green to exit 3.  Tiger and group did not get that email so I had the pleasure of personally telling Tiger where to go.  In a very kind way of course.  He looked around and said – “ok.”  And off they went.  And I'm certain he will always remember me.  (now that's funny LOL!)


As marshals we rotate around the hole so everyone gets a chance to be at the good locations and perhaps the not-so-good locations.  We are lucky – we really don’t have any bad ones.


I move to the tee box which brings excellent company.  Phil, Rickie, Snedeker and Walker wander up.  They have a good 10 minute wait.  I am standing literally within 6 to 15 feet of all of them and I cannot take a single photo.  Marshals are not allowed to use a camera when working.  Dumb me!  I should have stepped outside the ropes a couple of times.  No one would have noticed.  The mojo in the group was interesting.  Walker said not a word to anyone and basically kept his head down and I assume in his phone.  Fowler and Snedeker laughed a lot chatted up a storm with Butch Harmon joining in.  Phil sort of stood off to the side but was joking with them a bit.


Then came Cabrera, Romero and Jimenez – the Spanish speakers minus Sergio.  How I wish I could speak Spanish.  They were having such a good time, laughing and teasing.  Fun to watch.


Did you know Dustin Johnson chews?  He pulled out a wad waiting his turn.  Gosh what a nice swing.  Two-time winner Lee Janzen is 50 and while he looked splendid in all black he looks every bit of 50 with very deep creases around his eyes and mouth.  And has very small feet.


Bubba seemed himself.  Wasn’t happy.  Wasn’t mad.  Didn’t say much or look at the crowd.  One girl actually asked the police security officer assigned to Bubba if he would ask Bubba to give her an autograph.  He kindly refused.


Zach Johnson was out by himself and interacted with the crowd more than any player.  By far.


Graham McDowell had the best outfit…cool check pants with slate blue and white saddle shoes.  Love saddle shoes.


More sartorial splendor…after the usual black and white gray was definitely the color of the day.  Tiger, Jordan , DJ, Rickie, Kuchar, Cabrera.  Cabrera’s threads were top dog.  He and his caddy son wore the same gorgeous pullovers.  Went nicely with Angel’s handsome new teeth.


There is more to say but it is time for sleep and tomorrow the fun will continue.  The calm before the storm and then the drama unfolds.  I think the most interesting thing so far is the absence of a Rory McIlroy sighting.  I know he has been there and I am pretty sure he has played some sort of practice but his name has never been on the boards that tell you who is where.  I have not heard people talking like – Rory’s on #x…gotta go.  He is scheduled to practice in the morning.  Maybe will catch sight of World #1!

Live at the US Open - Chambers Bay - Monday June 15, 2015

I have played Chambers Bay.  It was a long, beautiful walk.  The course is truly amazing.  What I remember about the course on that day is entirely different than the course that I saw today – the first real practice day of the 2015 US Open.

I saw the Golf Channel do graphics about the elevation changes.  One is a 195’ drop and it is hard to put into words what that means to one who is walking the course.  Keep in mind that the players are walking the course – more on that later.  But what the elevation means to a patron walking from one hole to another is something else.  Sometimes you wonder if there is a ‘there’ there.  There are holes up there at the white tents. (see right)

We did not walk the entire course today.  Remember back at Pebble Beach and Congressional when we walked with Tiger, Phil and Rory?  We did that for five and six days straight.  I cannot even imagine doing two at Chambers Bay.

We are marshalling Hole #3 which is a downhill par 3.  This view (on the right) is from the back of the green looking at the singular tree on the entire course.  And, of course, Puget Sound.

It is awesome that our club has a par 3 hole because as a marshal you can see the entire hole from any point where you are stationed.  It was my task for awhile to tell the groups that instead of walking off the green and take a road up (a long ways) to 4 tee that they had to walk back down off the green (think elevation) across a walkway and around the back of 11 green, up a hill and across a bridge.  The reactions were less than happy for the most part.  Caddies were vocal – I’m NOT doing that today!  And this is Hole #3 and it is Monday!  It is a long, long walk.

That being said my gut tells me that a 25-something is going to win simply because their bodies are 25 and should handle it better than the older players.  Then again, patience with the course and handling the fatigue will be of the utmost importance.  I think a lot of 25-somethings will not have the patience.  Perhaps a 21 year old though.

The names….

Tiger played the back 9 today.  I saw him only on 15 green and 16 tee.  Let’s say he was walking around the green gingerly.  But he whacked his tee shot on 16 with no flinches or a hand to the back.  Maybe he is just saving himself for the road ahead.

Phil was at home in CA.  He is having a birthday (his) breakfast with his family tomorrow and heading north.  Rory was not present nor have I heard his whereabouts discussed.  Jordan did not tee off until after 3 and we were done by then.  Watched Rickie, Bubba and Jimmy Walker play 1.  They all stuffed their approaches.  Pretty fun.  Butch Harmon spent 10 minutes with Rickie and Bubba on the green giving a putting lesson.

It was an absolutely gorgeous day as you could see if you watched any of the highlights on Golf Channel or maybe Fox Sports 1.  By mid-afternoon it was 88.  Keep in mind this is the Seattle area – in June – and it was 88 and sunny.  Unbelievable.  We were so very glad we worked the morning.  I wonder if the powers-that-be at the USGA aren’t secretly wishing it was 55 and rainy and windy.  Cooler tomorrow – mid 70s.  Should be lovely.

We are back at it at 7 am tomorrow.  Will be interesting to see who comes through on our watch.  Will keep you posted…thanks so much.

Pinehurst 2015 and Alaska

I hated missing Pinehurst last year.  It was one of my Dad’s favorite places to golf and I had hoped to see it.  But same as last year - real life got in the way of the fun.   Only this time it was work!  We had the opportunity to work in Alaska where we met some terrific people, played in a golf tournament and enjoyed the magnificence that is Alaska.  If it isn’t on your bucket list you might consider adding it.

At Pinehurst they honored Payne Stewart and Martin Kaymar lapped the field.  More belated congratulations.

Next up – home!  Chambers Bay 2015!  It is going to be amazing!



Merion 2013 and Jackson

I hated missing Merion two years ago but hard as it is may be imagine there are more important things in life than the US Open

Our family welcomed Jackson Hugh Cummins-Burkholder on June 4, 2013.  Grandma had to be present and help out, of course.  That’s what grandmas do.

Check out those red curls…

Belated congratulations to Justin Rose!

Pinehurst next up…