Well
Well, you have to give Allen Doyle credit. The guy absolutely relishes the underdog role, and he loved it even more when he denied Watson the title. For whatever reason, he had no problems being a villain. Let me say that it was intense out there today. Prior to the ruling on 11, Doyle was not happy at all when he had to hit a provisional. None of what he said can be printed here. Then later, after splitting the 17th fairway, he walked off the tee angry, spewing more words better suited for a sailor. Simply put, the guy wanted to win. In some ways, he reminds me of Hubert Green in that Green never felt appreciated for winning majors. People look at Doyle's funny swing - what Jim Thorpe calls "killing a chicken" - and think he's a non-factor. But the guy does what you're supposed to do - get the ball in the hole. Doesn't matter how you do it, just do it. Afterward, Roberts didn't seem pleased with the ruling on 11. But it had been made all week. Just call it a lucky break. Have to admit that I did feel for Watson. On the podium he was all class, but looked as though he could have broken down. His wife said "that's just golf" as she waited patiently for him. I think Watson felt worse for the fans who backed him this week than he did for himself. This won't change the way he's perceived here. He's "an asset to the state" as Doyle said. I should mention that Doyle was never angry with the gallery for how much support they showed Watson. I think his quotes could be taken out of context. He savored being the underdog, yes, but he has the utmost respect for Watson. Many of the statements he made that could be perceived as inflammatory were spoken with a laugh. I think Doyle just wants people to know that, even though he wasn't around on the PGA Tour, he's talented enough to play with these guys. So, that wraps up another "Open" year for us. It always seems to end too quickly. But my body says it has been a grind. Like Phil Mickelson needed three days to recover from his U.S. Open folly on 18 (that's the physical side we're talking about. Who knows how long it'll take to recover from a psychological standpoint), that's how I feel. It'll take some time. But my thanks to everyone who took the time to check out the site, this blog and commented or e-mailed me. We hope to do it again next year. Take care everyone.
Following up
Meant to follow up on the Bob Charles interview that I did yesterday. As you already know, he wasn't a happy camper. He was most upset about having to play so fast. But then he went off. Just very critical of many things that I won't get into. One of the things about working for the USGA, and identifying yourself as such, is that sometimes players believe you have a hand in course setup, logistics, you name it. Of course, that's not the case. I simply identify myself as a reporter with the USGA. My role is to write stories and manage the content. But sometimes players don't always understand that. I've had players ask me to be so kind and cart them to the merchandise area or give them a lift back to the hotel. I'd be happy to do it if I wasn't working or didn't have varied responsibilities. I did drive Allen Doyle back to the hotel on media day. But that was orchestrated so I could do an interview with him for preview content. Spent two hours with him doing a one-on-one interview. From the now-it-can-be-told file: the recorder I used disappeared immediately after that. Fortunately - and I always do this - I also short-hand the interview. Just ... in ... case. As it turned out, this was one of those just in case moments. There are so many horror stories I've heard from colleagues about how their recorder died or it didn't pick up the interview, and of course, they did not take any notes. That is not a position I ever relish to be in. It's easy to break into a cold sweat. Someone here asked me the other day why I take notes when players are brought to the 'flash area.' A quick explanation: the flash area is where some players go to address the media after a good round. It's primarily used for TV purposes, such as when you see Tiger Woods at the podium during Sportscenter highlights. But the print media finds these interviews beneficial as well. Anyway, someone asked me why I take notes if the interviews are being transcribed. (At our major championships, we have transcribers (basically court reporters) who create transcripts that the media can work from). I do it for three reasons: 1) I'll highlight a good quote that I may use in a story; 2) most of the time it's quicker than waiting for the transcription to be run off on copiers; and 3) you can't rely on anything 100 percent. What if the transcription service experiences problems? You don't want to be at anyone's mercy come deadline time.
OK
Looks like play will resume at 10:15 central time. The official report says that we will have a window of decent weather until mid-afternoon. But there the possibility looms that another delay may occur. Isn't this lovely?
Hmmm
Methinks I am wrong. It is pretty dark, play has been suspended and water is coming down pretty hard.
It's raining
Reports are calling for heavy rain today and perhaps some thunderstorms. That's the reason for the earlier tee times. It does look nasty. Fans have huddled under the clubhouse awning. But this shower looks like it'll pass. Anyway, it could affect play today. But everyone has to play in it.
Fuzzy Zoeller
This is why Fuzzy Zoeller is one of my favorites. Fans aren't as fortunate to see much of the comedy that goes on behind the scenes. While Loren Roberts was waiting to be interviewed by NBC's Mark Rolfing, Zoeller had just finished No. 18. There was a delay and Rolfing was waiting for the cue to go on-air. But before he could, Zoeller, who had to cut behind Rolfing to get to the scorer's area, snuck up on him. As he walked by, he grabbed Rolfing around the waist and yelled, "Rolfie!!!!!" Rolfing about had a heart attack, shaking from the surprise. And this was seconds before he had to go on-air. Fortuntely, he took the 10 seconds he had to prepare and composed himself. People in the gallery who saw this were laughing loudly.
Roberts?
Just when I jumped off the Loren Roberts bandwagon, now this. Having a great round. He is now within challenging distance. Who knows, maybe he read this blog and got fired up? Nah.
Long way back
What's it like to be the guy who goes off early on the weekend? If he's going off early that means he's way in back of the pack. We're going to explore doing a story today on that. Good stuff out of the guys who have finished already. Some of it not even pertinent to the things I was looking for. Hubert Green finished, then as he was heading to the lunch room, a fan asked him, "Mr. Green, could I please have your autograph?" Green: "Why?" Fan: "Because I think you're good and will win the tournament." Green: "I want to have some of what you're drinking." He then walked over and signed, smiling. It is funny because if you have followed Green in his career, you know he hasn't been, um, the most accessible person. He had a biting humor and sometimes didn't want to talk, which is fine. There's an underlying belief that he got on the media for not receiving due credit for the majors he won. I can say 100 percent that I have never had a problem with him. We've traded barbs and he's always been extremely friendly. But there is a noticeable change in him. He had a throat cancer scare a few years ago that is now in remission. His voice has changed, but he still can be colorful, giving some of us a hard time for not watching his round. "What, were you guys in bed or something?" He did have a great quote about Jim Thorpe today and players who win championships. He should know. He said, "Great courses makes great players, and great players are going to win on great courses." Simple as that. By the way, Larry Nelson had an eagle on the par-5 seventh today. He hit 6-iron to 12 feet and dropped the putt. He wasn't too happy about making double bogey on 13 though. Bob Charles was none too happy when he came off. He shot a 75, but didn't like the fact that they now play in groups of two. "For an old man, playing in twos is nonsense. They had me on the run the whole time." Anyway, back later.
Observation
Just in case anyone is wondering, Walter Worthen Jr. is playing with a marker today. Buddy Marucci is the marker. Side thought: At this late stage of many of the players' careers, it is refreshing to hear them talk honestly about their game. A few that come to mind are Bruce Lietzke, Loren Roberts and Tom Watson. Well, Allen Doyle, Peter Jacobsen and Curtis Strange are also in that category. Perhaps the most honest of the bunch, almost to a fault, is Lietzke. The guy, in my opinion, sells himself short. He started off this week by saying he's not a favorite, he can't win this. Then he gave all the reasons why. But here he still is, alive and well. The guy has won a Senior Open, so you must take him as a threat. But he speaks with candor; in other words, he gives you something. Not all players do that. In other words, guys will get up and go through the motions. "I struck the ball solidly, have to take it one whole at a time, fairways and greens" - the list of cliches is endless. But Lietzke will break down a topic and make you understand where he's coming from and why. I always like listening to players like that. That's why Nicklaus is missed. He may have his old curmudgeon moments, which is part act, but he will go into detail about a particular subject, especially if he cares about it. Strange, who after settling into the broadcaster's booth for a time, can be like that too. Guess the right word is 'articulate.' Strange can be too hard on himself sometimes. He gets frustrated, beats himself up afterward, but it's because he cares. I don't really have a point here. Just browsing through a Lietzke transcript, seeing what I can pull out of it today when he begins playing.
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Watson
There is a strong feeling among many people that Watson is the guy to beat. Well, he is right now. But there are still two rounds left to play. On a personal level, I wouldn't mind seeing it. He's experienced some personal difficulties in the past and has always treated everyone with a smile. He stands there patiently answering every question, whether it is critical of his game or whatever. If he can putt, he will win. Problem is, that's been his albatross the last 10 years. He has real trouble with putts inside 6 feet. He admits that. Guess Loren Roberts wasn't a good choice after all.
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Marsh
You know, a rather funny story about Graham Marsh came to me while walking the course today. It jarred my memory after reviewing the photos of him trying to find his way out of a thicket on the seventh hole today. It's rather silly looking and will appear momentarily. A couple years ago at the Senior Open - I want to say at Inverness in 2003 - I went out to watch whoever was playing a practice round with him. It was either Nicklaus or Palmer. I just know I followed them around for about 10 of their practice holes for a story. Anyway, the superintendent's staff had placed protective netting on various parts of several teeing grounds so that players wouldn't scuff it up before the championship. Midway through the round, Marsh grabbed an iron on a short par 3 and let loose. When he handed the club back to his caddie, he took a couple steps forward without realizing the netting was there. Comedy ensued. Marsh's spikes got caught, he became entangled and most of the netting just twirled him in a knot. Finally, he got himself out, only to trip a bit again - taking more netting with him. When he did get a hold of himself, he glanced up to see a few smiling faces in the gallery. Then he noticed me with the notebook. He strolled over, at first smiling, and said, "You're not going to write that, are you? I would prefer that you don't." The look on his face was as serious as serious gets. I can't remember if I wrote about it, but I don't see why I wouldn't. It happened; it was factual; it wasn't at all damaging to him.
Out on the course
Knowing who to follow on the course can be guesswork. It's like a multiple choice exam when you haven't studied. When you write game stories and can only focus on the leaders - primarily - it makes it that much tougher. Today I guessed Tom Watson. That was until he three-putted on No. 4 to drop to 2 under. After that, I pulled off Watson and headed for Mark James, who was 4 under at the time. Problem was, James was as far away on the course as possible. But I made it in time to watch him do nothing extraordinary. I did witness the bogey on his final hole. In the meantime, Watson catapulted into the lead. Nothing you can do. At that point, when it's not on TV, you have to rely on what the player tells you. That's a little trick a lot of writers won't tell you. I've blogged about it before, but there were many who couldn't even tell you where the course is. They stay inside all day and rely on television or hope the golfer will reveal everything about his round. Unfortunately, it's the game I had to play with Watson since I couldn't be everywhere. Side observation about Watson: when his group got to the fourth tee, there was a delay. So he pulled out his putter and started using the tee markers as practice. Another side observation: one of my favorite golfers to watch is Craig Stadler. No ifs, ands or buts about it. He plays the game the way it should be played. He's quick, doesn't waggle, doesn't pull off his ball - he just plays. He's effortless out there. The best part about him is that you know immediately whether he likes the shot or not. His reaction is usally worth the price of admission. He also respects the game way too much to make a fool of himself. He did have a minor following out there Friday. Four kids were wearing baby blue shirts that supported 'The Walrus.' They had them made up last night. Hayden and Parker Maples, brothers from Raleigh, N.C., and another set, Harrison and Miles Smith who live near Hutchinson, had them made up. Cousins, their parents are friends with Stadler. When Stadler saw the shirts, he smiled.
Hmmm
Looks like my first submission never made it. Anyway, wrote about how Graham Marsh briefly touched on 3 under and then couldn't hold it when he put his drive in a left thicket. He had to go replay his tee shot. Led to bogey.
On the clock
No sooner than I make the last submission live, this happens. Mark James fell to 3 under on the same hole Marsh bogeyed. Lets see of the gods of fate intervene. Question begs, what happens if James goes to 4 under? Does Perry Maxwell come walking out of the prairie grass like the former Black Sox did the cornfields in Field of Dreams? Except, Maxwell has already 'built it' and they have come.
In the can
First round in the can. That's a wrap, and I don't even know what to make of it. There are a lot of guys capable of posting a low number. Someone is going to do it if the wind doesn't pick up. But I fear another down-to-the-wire finish. Someone asked me who I'm picking this week. I told the person Loren Roberts. Think he shot a 72 today. I'm sticking with him.
Lovely
G-R-E-A-T news. Hotel called. They located my laundry. Apparently it was delivered to the wrong room. No police interaction needed. My heartfelt thanks to the soul who returned it to the front desk, just in case you're reading. OK, please, carry on.
Lot of people
This leader board has really made one pay attention. It's to the point that I've come in off the course because I simply can't follow everyone around out there. It's also tough to post the championship updates because I can't see, specifically, what people are doing. Funny moment: when Jay Haas got done signing his scorecard, Roger Maltbie grabbed him for an interview for ESPN. While waiting to go on-air, NBC producer Tommy Roy was in Maltbie's ear from afar. Maltbie served as a middleman going back and forth between Haas and Roy. Roy wanted to know if Haas got a tape of the Senior PGA Championship. Finally Haas took the mic from Maltbie and started talking to Roy himself. Suddenly they were to go on-air and everyone scurried back into position. Confused about the references to ESPN and NBC. ESPN uses the NBC golf crew on its telecasts. Weird arrangement but it works.
Hutchinson
Well, here we go. Fernandez has taken an early lead. Remember him from a couple years ago? He made a big charge but fell short, finishing third I think. This guy has always been under the radar. Solid player. Now a moment about lovely Hutchinson. This town is so supportive of this championship that everywhere you go, you see some reference made to it. Last night I visited a rinky-dink pizzeria and all the workers had Senior Open buttons on their shirts. Now a moment about our hotel, which shall remain nameless. Seems a couple of colleagues have had issues with cockroaches. Cockroaches are nice, fun and living things. But they don't belong in hotel rooms. One of our photographers, Steve Gibbons, said one crawled up on his keyboard last night. It was "three keys long." And guess what? (Remember, I originally stated we would be blogging about anything related to the championship). An all-points-bulletin alert has been put out for my laundry. For you who read the U.S. Open blog from last year (look under subject header Road fun), you'll understand why this is a bone of contention with me. Half my order came back last night. The other half, which contains all of my golf shirts and shorts, is floating somewhere around Hutchinson. Good news is I'm down to my last pair of everything. Hence, the laundry service.
Think this stuff happens to Fuzzy Zoeller? Then again, I'm not Fuzzy Zoeller, which leads to a funny story. Last year at Senior Open media day, at NCR Country Club, Peter Jacobsen was there as the defending champion. He met with the media and rode around in a cart, looking at the course while the media played. (Side note: a perk of all media days is that the media gets to play the championship course). I am playing that day. I am not necessarily a good player. Fully admit that. My group comes up on a par 3 when Jacobsen comes riding up. Suddenly, the three guys in my group decide I ought to have honors, my first of the afternoon. I look at them quizically until it dawned on me: Jacobsen was there watching. So I put my ball down on the tee box, no tee. Pete Kowalski, the media relations colleague I work with, says to Jacobsen, "You know why Ken doesn't use a tee on par 3s?" Jacobsen: "No, why?" Kowalski: "Because he saw Fuzzy Zoeller do it." Of course, I overhear all of this. Talk up dialing up the pressure. So I grab a 7-iron, address the ball and, and, and, and chunk it. Ugh. Jacobsen: "You know why Fuzzy doesn't use a tee? (Pause) Because he's gooooood." Laughter everywhere.
So
So I finally caught up with Crenshaw. Saw that he went out by himself today, judged when he got off and went looking for him. I got lucky. He was meandering around the locker room. Said our hellos and then the conversation did a 180. Explained that I was working on a course story today and his participation was vital. Why? Because his firm did work on the course from 2003-04. He stood there, mouth closed until he urged me to locate his comments from other publications. He's talked about it so much that he didn't have anything left to say. Explained to him that I couldn't just lift quotes from another publication without attribution. He wouldn't budge. I wouldn't budge. It turned into a good, old-fashioned staredown for about 10 seconds. He eyeballed me; I eyeballed him. Finally, he relented I think because he must have known I wasn't going to leave empty-handed. After that, he was fine. Very open. Very gracious. But most important, he spoke with the utmost respect for the course and Perry Maxwell. I think it turned out well. Judge for yourself.
Course fodder
My hope today is to track down Ben Crenshaw for a story about the course. His firm came in roughly around 2003-04 and added some new bunkers. I find it interesting that he's wearing a new hat this week, namely as player instead of design consultant. May be tough because today is interview day, where the USGA hauls in players for sit-down sessions. There are six players on the schedule I believe. Not sure though. It makes it easier for the media to glean quotes instead of having to chase them down around the course. But this isn't like a U.S. Open. There you have no chance to get Tiger Woods one on one. He just doesn't do private interviews. Only in the rare case. Here, no one is like that.
Another observation
Some local writer was doing a feature story on Gary Player so he tracked down several players to get their perspective. Jim Thorpe was one of them. Thorpe is such a lively quote that it pays off to hang around even if you don't need to talk to him. He said of Player, "The guy has a quazillion miles under him. If you could put mileage onto years, he'd be 200 years old." Another quote, for a story I'm working on, was so good that I'd use it here too. When I asked for his thoughts about the course, he said, "Mr. Maxwell," pausing for effect, "should have stuck to making coffee." Hilarious. The late great Perry Maxwell designed the course. Seen in the clubhouse: Hale Irwin posing for a number of photos with volunteers. That Steve Thomas was the first to register. At least I thought it was interesting.
Answer
Someone asked if there is a list of the practice rounds somewhere. There is, but we don't post them on the site because they aren't very accurate. Guys meet up, decide they want to play with someone else, or they simply don't show, or something else comes up. We did it once and took a bunch of grief because the list wasn't right in the end. The unfortunate answer is that they will be posted at the course on a board near the entrance. Just keep in mind they are subject to change.
Tick, tick, tick
Not knowing what I should chase today, decided to do the most reasonable thing. Just head out to the range, locker room, dining area. Never know what you'll find out, overhear. For instance, I learned Bruce Lietzke's cell phone plays Bryan Adams' 'Summer of '69' when it rings. Kind of cool. Observed the 'Table of Champions' eating lunch in Peter Jacobsen, Don Pooley and Lietzke. Not sure but I think it's a rule that past champions at this event must dine together. Overheard that ticks are the flavor du jour this week. Lovely. Last time we were here in 2002, it was all about the snakes. Spoke to Jim Thorpe today about that. He has a genuine fear of them. Funny story, but in an event earlier this year, I think it was Walter Hall who decided to play a trick on him. Bought one of those play rubber snakes, had his caddie wrap it around his clubs in his bag. So when Thorpe opened the bag, the snake would be there. Apparently Thorpe did and ran off screaming.
I have a fear of them too. It's been in the back of my mind for a while. They have what are called bull snakes. They, more or less, take care of field mice, rodents, insects and scaring the bejesus of out people. That's their role. In 2002, saw one slither its way through the 10th green as Annika Sorenstam was about to hit. The gallery kept rising like they were doing the wave. Fortunately for me, I kept my composure seeing it go all over the place. Inside I was a mess. Last item: someone e-mailed me asking about alternates and whether I had any information about them. At the moment, I do not, but I will try to track that down. The only issue for me right now is that I am the lone writer on site. How are alternates determined? Without going into great detail (primarily because I don't want to talk out of turn), there is a formula used to determine who gets in. In fact, as I headed back to the media center, Tim Flaherty, the USGA director of the championship, was talking to a sixth alternate on the grounds. I don't know if he was being told he was in or not. Which leads to what it means to be an alternate. You can show up but you cannot play any practice rounds until you're in the field. If I'm not mistaken, you can't even get on the putting range. You just wait and wait. Sometimes the call never comes. OK, time to write.
Welcome
Welcome to the second annual 2006 U.S. Senior Open Weblog where we will try to update you on all the side information we can fit. This is the place where you'll find anything ancillary to the championship that wouldn't otherwise make it in story form. If you should see anything wrong with the site, have an opinion or just want to tell us we're full of baloney (which wouldn't be the first time), feel free to send me an e-mail at kklavon@usga.org.
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