Thursday
Sometimes things just work out the way we would like them
to. As 19th 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
3rd 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!
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