Business as usual!
Each year, I try to do something different and interesting. I have to admit, I do this more than once a year, but it is different each time. This is about the President’s Cup golf event at Harding Park, in San Francisco (or Daly City to be more precise). I left for the Monterey Pennisula on Tuesday October 6th. My flight to Monterey was short, but the excitement I felt was enough to make me feel nervous. I will be teeing off at Pebble Beach on Wednesday morning at 7:50 a.m.
For those of you who like golf, you know what I am talking about. For those of you who have played Pebble Beach, you KNOW what I am talking about. I have had the pleasure of playing there twice before. I learned a great deal about golf, my game and life each time. Now I am better prepared. Now I am ready!
I have spent the last 10 weeks getting myself physically fit to walk the course. Walking 4 days a week, working out 3 days a week, practicing on the range 3 times a week. All with the single hope that I can break 80!
Well the day came and went. The first tee was awesome. My experience kept me from yanking a bad drive, but before I even teed off, there stood Arnold Palmer. Are you kidding me? He was walking the grounds in the morning and stopped to watch the golfers. Of course I went right up to him and shook his hand and we stood and talked like we were best of friends. He was every bit as nice as people say and it was the highlight of the morning. I then stood up, energized by the meeting, and striped a 3 wood right down the middle. The second shot was 15 feet left of the flag. 3 putts later, I was shaking my head and wondering how did 15 feet turn into 25 so fast. Oh, they forgot to tell me they had rolled the greens on Tuesday prior to Mr. Palmer playing his round. Just a bit of info that I could have used before I ran the first one into the ocean almost!
Well once my caddie and I had a come to Jesus discussion, things went well. A few birdies (Holes 6 and 16), a few bogeys; well a couple more than a few and I was on the 18th tee box wishing it wasn’t over. A par 5 and I was in at 80. A birdie and I would break 80 on Pebble Beach! Well let’s just say, it was a great round. The players were great and the caddie was just a good. No I didn’t make a birdie and I didn’t put one in the water, but it now stands as the best round I have played at Pebble.
The next day I was off to San Francisco and the golf event. The weather forecast had sunny skies and 75 degrees. Unfortunately for me, it never reached above 60 and the sun came out on Friday for a few hours. Otherwise it was cold and windy. I didn’t dress correctly so I spent too much money in the merchandise tent buying warm clothes. Aside from that, watching the golf for four days and following Tiger, Steve and the rest of the Americans was a great experience. I was able to see some of my old friends with NBC Sports who I have had the pleasure of working with from 2003 through 2007.
Roger Maltbie, Dottie Pepper and some of the on course spotters, etc., were all fun to chat with. Even my cousin’s husband Dawson was there from Madison, Wis. I was able to get him to work the Ryder Cup in Dublin, Ireland a few years back and he is still working the circuit. He knows how much walking and work you have to do for little pay. The thrill is being up close and personal with the players each day. That is why I refer to Tiger and Steve by first name. We are buds as you know! Right! Steve Stricker is from Madison so there is that.
After four days, I returned home to hear “who are you” from my wife and son. They didn’t miss me as they say, since they were too busy having fun on their own. My golf adventures will continue as I have plans on being at the 2011 US Open at Pebble Beach of all places. Can’t wait. Next blog will be my experience playing in the World Series of Golf, stay tuned.
