On Location at the Senior PGA – Tuesday

While yesterday was a day of getting acquainted with the course and the wet, wet weather, today was more getting acquainted with the players and, again, the wet, wet weather. Rains continued to trickle from the skies at varying intervals throughout the day. On the up side, fans were not out in droves, and autograph getting was pretty easy. I nabbed autographs on an embroidered flag from about 20 of my favorite Champions Tour players and at least one autograph from someone I can’t identify.

I began my journey today at the gate between holes three and four. I walked in, saw some players playing the third, and watched. I took some pictures and followed them up to the fourth green. A lone player was playing the adjacent 16th, so I walked to the green only to identify the player as Hale Irwin. At 9:30am and on the 16th green, Irwin must have started his round quite early.

I watched Hale Irwin finish the 16th and he was gracious enough to sign my flag on the walk to 17. He played the par-3 17th and then moved on to 18. His first drive was well right, prompting a grimace (below). His second drive at 18 was solid, as was his third from the forward tees.

Irwin dunked a shot in the water, switched clubs, and put one to ten feet for eagle, both from his third ball driven from the forward tees, which measure about 480 yards as opposed to 515. Irwin had about 217 yards to the pin. The wet conditions are preventing roll, but if the course dries up, players will be able to go at the pin with their second shots even from the back tees.

After watching Irwin come in, I planted myself near the practice range to get some autographs. Some jerks were clearly there for the resale value, and one was making fun of another who got an autograph of Nick Price once on a “Major Champs flag.” Far be it from me to remind the guy that Nick Price won three majors (1992 PGA Championship, 1994 British Open, 1994 PGA Championship). These autograph punks – the ones who are simply looking to make a buck – kinda tick me off.

At any rate, I stayed near the range for five hours. The guys next to me didn’t know anyone, and at times asked the player to sign their magazine by calling him by the wrong name. One player in particular – started to sign and then stopped after the guy said “Thanks, Fuzz.” The player was clearly not Fuzzy Zoeller, but Allen Doyle, whom I recognized from his Playing Lessons. I commented upon this and he said “I’m still getting air time from that? Jee whiz.”

Craig Stadler mentioned that he would sign autographs on his way back, and after chumming it up and hitting a lot of shots (much better than his duff yesterday, that is!), he did.

Fuzzy Zoeller did eventually show up, and having been properly identified, signed my flag with his trademark red pen.

Tom Watson was perhaps the most gracious of anyone who signed, and was trying out some new drivers and hybrids on the range. He finally settled on a few he liked, and walked the line and signed every autograph.

Perhaps my favorite autograph came from Jay Haas, however. He’s one of my personal favorites, simply for his calm demeanor, tough spirit, and gritty game. I asked him if he was “tired of beating up on the young guys on the PGA Tour and if he was giving them a break this week playing in a senior event” and Haas chuckled before saying “you know, I’ve been doing okay this year, haven’t I?” Jay later played a practice round with Arnold Palmer:

Arnold was there, indeed, but his autograph policy this week has left many quite annoyed. Having stood in the same place for five hours, I patiently waited for Palmer’s autograph. Instead, he signed three autographs, including the flag of a guy who practically leapt over me to shove his goods into the hands of Mr. Palmer.

With so few fans attending the rain-soaked practice round, Palmer could have signed the 100 or so fan’s autographs and made everyone happy. Instead, well, there was a sour taste in more than a few people’s mouths. Personally, I understand and have nothing against ol’ Arnie. I am, however, a tad disappointed.

Tomorrow (Wednesday), the last day I can have a camera on the course, I plan to take pictures of each and every hole, and maybe a few players playing those holes. Note to self: set up on the right side of the fairway and you’ll get better action shots of people hitting shots to greens. 🙂

At some point, I’ll take a picture of the autograph flag and display it.

Photo Credits: © 2005 Erik J. Barzeski/The Sand Trap.