U.S. Open

If you have never been to a U.S. Open it should be something to place on your “Bucket List”. Even if you don't play golf you couldn't help but appreciate the beauty of the grounds and the ability of those one hundred and sixty or so golfers taking on the challenge.

Perhaps the best time to go is before the actual tournament begins, the practice rounds. You can bring a camera (which is strictly forbidden during the tournament), get autographs and see the players in generally relaxed and happy moods. Walking the course will provide prospective that you just can't get on TV. You'll know for example that the a certain tee box is elevated far above the green or that you just “can't hit” a ball to “that part” of a green or you'll be in big trouble.

The enormity of the event is also impressive, at this years Open there were fifty five hundred volunteers working on and around the course in addition to many hundreds of others needed to pull it together. I only got to Marshall one day but my day was the best of the day weather wise and I really enjoyed it.

The Monday I worked, I was initially at the twelfth hole crosswalk but was later promoted to work ropes as the golfers came off #11 green and entered #12 fairway. Actually, this second “job” should have been handled by two people but I got through it enjoying “Power I exerted” over the mobs. To be honest the mobs were more like five or ten people at a time so it was not too nerve wracking.

Since I was right there as the golfers came of the green I saw a good number of the players although I missed Rory McIIroy.

One of the players I saw was Rory Sabbatini and as he left the eleventh green he stopped to sign autographs for the kids.

I finished my duties, leaving my post at five P.M., to wander around the back nine. I kept "bumping into" Rory Sabbatini on several holes, and noticed he was still signing autographs for every kid who stuck out a hat, ball or flag.

When the players come off the #18 they cross an overhead bridge, I think to the putting green. As Sabbatini approached the bridge he saw a group of kids waiting to catch the players on the far side. His caddy headed up the overhead but Rory snuck around the side of the bridge, poked his head out, looking to see where those kids were. He saw me watching him, put his finger up to his mouth "Don't say anything". At this point the kids were looking the wrong way, and after the caddy passed were a bit confused when Rory didn't appear. At that point, Rory snuck up behind them, tapping one on the shoulder, asking "Are you looking for me?" and signed everything they had. I guess a lot of people are upset with him, think he's a jerk, but from what I saw he was nothing but first class with the kids. I walked up to him, told him I thought it was great what he was doing. I started to walk away but then turned around and asked him to sign my hat. That was the only autograph I requested all day.

Later.... Mike