Play It As It Lies

By Jeff

OK, let's continue our review of the the 69th Senior US Open. The sun was shining, not a cloud in the sky and there was just enough wind to dislodge any number of allergy irritants. Basically, a perfect day. As a spectator, we’re used to seeing the masses following Tiger Woods (usually the ropes are restraining a crowd typically 10 rows deep). Not so for the Champions Tour. It’s not like there aren’t crowds, it’s just easier to get closer to the action than the regular PGA tour.

When you come to the 1st tee, you’ll notice a right facing, perpendicular set of tees. The first hole shares a tee box with the number 14 hole. Let’s examine the pro approach to playing, shall we?1st hole. Slightly downhill, baby dogleg left, tree lined fairway on the same side. Out of bounds to the right side, and, you have to cross a creek 40 yards in front of the green to a “Sunday sucker pin placement”. [Translation: if you don’t want to wreck your scorecard, don’t even think about hitting it here!] The pin is located on the green right behind the front left bunker. For the most part, the pros took either driver, or 3 woods, off the 1st tee depending on their methodology.

Hello course management! Most of the pros played their approach shots to the fat part of the green instead of trying to attack that pin. Hmmm, maybe they’re onto something? Since the 2nd tee box is near the 1st green, I decided to camp out on the rope to really get a good look at the pro’s tee shots.

Next is an uphill par 4 slight dogleg right. This is interesting to note because my 1st instinct is to hit with a driver. There were few pulled. The choices ranged from fairway wood, to hybrid/rescue, to long irons. Maybe it was just me, but these guys haven’t lost a step. They crushed their shots! The balls were decimated.

Now I really feel like a little kid. Golf is a game. And, although some would like to call it a way of life, I call it my mistress. I’m so consumed by it that all other menial tasks fall by the wayside. Now, before you say a word, just know, I’m not alone in this. While there, I took a moment to observe the employees and guests of the corporate tents in attendance. Quite a few were wearing their golf shoes. No, they weren’t playing, but they wanted to feel like they were while walking the course. Oak Hill is an ultra private club, requiring membership or an invitation to play the course. The thinking is similar to that of a kid who brings a glove to a baseball game.

I also noticed the camaraderie displayed between the players. It was extremely refreshing. You see, the major winning paydays occur on the main PGA tour. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like they’re playing for peanuts; but they seem to be having more fun. Despite the grueling challenges the tournament presents. Anytime the US open is involved, the course is set up to separate the great players from the marginally successful.

On Saturday, Jay Haas pitched a shot out of the left rough that ran onto the right side of the green and trickled into the hole for an unlikely birdie. I can just hear famed sportscaster Howard Cosell voice describing the action emphatically. “There! Right there. Perhaps THIS is a sign brought down from the Greek God Zeus as lightning has struck the wedge of one young 55 year old Jay Dean Haas from St Louis, Missouri.” Maybe it WAS a sign as Jay won on Sunday with a score of 7 over par. At once exorcising the demons from his failure at the 1995 Ryder Cup at this very Oak Hill course on the same18th tee. When you overcome that kind of adversity, you should be rewarded. He was. He lifted that trophy with jubilance. I felt for him. We all live vicariously through professional athletes at one time or another. It’s the stuff of legends. That sounded cheesy didn’t it? Oh well.

It’s time to get my clubs out and hit the links. Yes sir. More menial tasks jettisoned by the wayside for a day of joyful frustration chasing a little white ball. Forget the fitness trailer. Golf is my elixir, and I’m ingesting it like nobody’s business. Until next time remember, play it as it lies.