Monday, May 17, 2004
Post-Byron Nelson Thoughts
It was a fun weekend in Dallas, even if Sergio Garcia bested Tiger for the 2004 Nelson Championshp.
A few thoughts from the TPC-Four Seasons in Las Colinas:
- Golf is easily the most intimate professional sport. By sheer luck (good for us, bad for Tiger Woods), we got the opportunity to stand no more than 10 feet from Tiger as he tried to save par on the 14th. Woods' drive missed the fairway by a bunch and it rolled to a stop just a few feet from us. Huddling around him as he punched the ball back toward the fairway was, according to Matt, akin to standing in the lane as Michael Jordan shot a free throw. I had seen Tiger before, and stood close to him before, but it's hard to describe the surreal feeling that you get from being that close to greatness. In case you were wondering, he hit a perfect recovery shot, based on the thunderous applause from the green-side gallery.
- The dynamic that Tiger Woods brings to an event is nothing short of amazing. I've been to the Nelson when he wasn't there, and it's just a different atmosphere. It's still a great event no matter, but when Tiger is on the course, it really is electric.
- One thing about golf galleries: there are way too many "wannabees." We sat on the teebox at No. 3 through about ten pairings yesterday. After almost every tee shot, someone around us had to comment on what a great shot it was, even though most were no more spectacular than a major leaguer ripping a single up the middle. "That's a golf shot" is the most annoying phrase in the sport, next to "get in the hole, ball!"
- Wannabees notwithstanding, it really is amazing to see these guys hit some of the shots that they hit. No. 17 is a long par-3 with a pond to the front-right of the green, and bunkers on the left. I'd probably have to lay up to avoid getting wet, but the pros drop their shots right into the middle of the green. Like the commercials say, "These Guys Are Good."
- Walking the TPC-Four Seasons each year re-affirms my belief that most of these guys are legitimate athletes. Competing on the PGA Tour requires endurance, skill and a whole lot of concentration. And the Nelson isn't even one of the most challenging courses on tour. People knock golfers, but shooting four under-par rounds is an impressive accomplishment.
- Golf's popularity surge during the Tiger Era has come at the expense of some of the sport's etiquette. Tiger played with Mark O'Meara, a two-time Major winner, on Saturday. He's an established pro, who should command as much respect as anyone on tour. But many patros didn't extend that courtesy. I saw a large number of them walk away after Tiger would finish a hole, often while O'Meara was setting up a putt. Tacky.
- Apparently people cheered when Vijay Singh went in the water on Sunday. Tackier.
- The autograph scene at No. 18 is always a strange sight. I maintain that few things look as pathetic as some middle-aged guy pushing through kids to get an autograph. I wonder if half of the signature hounds even know whose autograph they're getting?
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A few thoughts from the TPC-Four Seasons in Las Colinas:
- Golf is easily the most intimate professional sport. By sheer luck (good for us, bad for Tiger Woods), we got the opportunity to stand no more than 10 feet from Tiger as he tried to save par on the 14th. Woods' drive missed the fairway by a bunch and it rolled to a stop just a few feet from us. Huddling around him as he punched the ball back toward the fairway was, according to Matt, akin to standing in the lane as Michael Jordan shot a free throw. I had seen Tiger before, and stood close to him before, but it's hard to describe the surreal feeling that you get from being that close to greatness. In case you were wondering, he hit a perfect recovery shot, based on the thunderous applause from the green-side gallery.
- The dynamic that Tiger Woods brings to an event is nothing short of amazing. I've been to the Nelson when he wasn't there, and it's just a different atmosphere. It's still a great event no matter, but when Tiger is on the course, it really is electric.
- One thing about golf galleries: there are way too many "wannabees." We sat on the teebox at No. 3 through about ten pairings yesterday. After almost every tee shot, someone around us had to comment on what a great shot it was, even though most were no more spectacular than a major leaguer ripping a single up the middle. "That's a golf shot" is the most annoying phrase in the sport, next to "get in the hole, ball!"
- Wannabees notwithstanding, it really is amazing to see these guys hit some of the shots that they hit. No. 17 is a long par-3 with a pond to the front-right of the green, and bunkers on the left. I'd probably have to lay up to avoid getting wet, but the pros drop their shots right into the middle of the green. Like the commercials say, "These Guys Are Good."
- Walking the TPC-Four Seasons each year re-affirms my belief that most of these guys are legitimate athletes. Competing on the PGA Tour requires endurance, skill and a whole lot of concentration. And the Nelson isn't even one of the most challenging courses on tour. People knock golfers, but shooting four under-par rounds is an impressive accomplishment.
- Golf's popularity surge during the Tiger Era has come at the expense of some of the sport's etiquette. Tiger played with Mark O'Meara, a two-time Major winner, on Saturday. He's an established pro, who should command as much respect as anyone on tour. But many patros didn't extend that courtesy. I saw a large number of them walk away after Tiger would finish a hole, often while O'Meara was setting up a putt. Tacky.
- Apparently people cheered when Vijay Singh went in the water on Sunday. Tackier.
- The autograph scene at No. 18 is always a strange sight. I maintain that few things look as pathetic as some middle-aged guy pushing through kids to get an autograph. I wonder if half of the signature hounds even know whose autograph they're getting?
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