Reach for the sky...
I’m sure you’ve seen the videos by now. Right? RIGHT? Well, some of them show conversations of a player and his caddie talking course strategy and game plan. Now it’s picture time. I haven’t walked Nos. 10 through 15 yet, but I’ll try to tomorrow. I need to see why some people are fussing over No. 13. I understand it’s a difficult hole, but I’ll let you in on a *secret* that Lee Janzen, who won the U.S. Open in ’98 at Olympic, told me.
18th green at Scioto CC with the clubhouse in the back drop
It really was the “longest day in golf” — it was so long that the U.S. Open sectional qualifying spilled over into Tuesday in Memphis. Play was postponed to the following day due to storms. Dennis Miller and Casey Martin’s stories held up as the best Cinderella stories.
Meanwhile, where did I leave off in Columbus?
Due to popular demand, “Behind the Scenes” is back — not that it really left — but it will appear on a weekly (or regular) basis going forward now…
Here now, I’m attempting the TaylorMade’s Rocketballz Launch Party Glow Ball Experience, wearing a dress and no shoes (not to mention a two glasses of wine deep). The first swing was decent and made it into the “target box,” but I should have stopped while I was ahead because it’s an understatement to say the next few attempts were embarrassing!
Ugh, another one of these exasperating bunkers!
Hello from Cog Hill! This is my first time at the tournament, but it made a great impression right away — it couldn’t have been a more beautiful day when I arrived in the Chicago area Tuesday. You know, 75-80 degrees, clear skies, no humidity. Then I pulled up to the golf course and, to my delight, discovered media parking was conveniently located near the clubhouse (which has become a major factor when assessing “WUP’s favorite tour stops.” Just kidding…kinda). Two for two so far!
Despite the unpredictable weather and hassle of international travel and finding unconventional accommodations, I’ve quickly grown to love the British Open. In fact, it’s my favorite week of the year (maybe with the exception of Hawaii). It’s not the easiest to cover, but it’s the experience that makes it so special. There’s the history and tradition, along with the intrigue of links golf. Oh, and I can’t forget Pimm’s!
How about that clubhouse?? (View from 10 green)
Hello from Congressional! I can’t believe it’s been a year since Pebble Beach (and my first major). I feel so grown up! — actually, not really, but I can’t even begin to describe how much I’ve learned since then (you know, like, don’t accidentally wander into the Player’s Lounge looking for the ladies’ room…). Anyway, since I kicked off the day at Ken Venturi’s presser, it was going to be a hard act to beat. Oh, by the way, as I walked into the interview room, I spotted this sign (bottom left), which made me chuckle.
Arnie: Still The King
Just another friendly reminder that these posts will no longer be accompanied with pictures because of PGA Tour media regulations. Sucks, I know. My apologies. I’m looking into a solution, but it’s not going to be overnight. Good new is, I collected some interesting tidbits from inside the ropes on Tuesday and Wednesday (along with following Matteo Manassero and Edoardo Molinari play four holes during a practice round on Monday).
*Update: I had to take down the photo of me and Ellie because apparently I’m violating PGA Tour media rights. Sadly, I’ve just been informed that I can’t post pictures from practice days, either! I’ve explained to the Tour that it’s a disservice to you guys, the readers, who are also PGA Tour fans.
In the spirit of my “Behind the Scenes” post, I’m starting another weekly feature that’s similar. You see, once the tournament starts, I catch some random bits and funny stuff happens that isn’t quite worthy of a standalone post, so I figure the solution is to compile them into a longer one at the end of the week. I’m still trying to think of a meme for the feature — suggestions welcome! — but “Tidbits From Inside the Ropes” will have to do for now. Enjoy!
*I forgot to include an amusing exchange from Wednesday. I was with my colleague Farrell Evans and we ran into Stephen Ames. Farrell says, “Hey Amesy, I saw your coach yesterday.” Ames looks at him with a completely straight (albeit goofy) face and deadpans, “Oh yeah, Tiger’s coach?” Then, as if on cue, we all start cracking up. Later that afternoon, I walked past Sean Foley and Ames, who were headed to the range. I jokingly said to Ames, “Ah, I see you found Tiger’s coach!” He playfully pretended he was going to push me into the practice bunker. He’s a beauty.
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