Its Open week -
I went to my first U.S. Open in 2002 at Bethpage Black . It was the First Public golf course ever used for the Open. Most of the courses they play this at - it would cost me upward of $400 for ONE round. I could go play Black for $40 because its in a NYS Park.
What made it special was the 'energy'. I followed Phil , that's why we went to the Open. The crowd so loved and cheered for Phil, the 'energy' that followed Phil around the course was almost as intoxicating as we felt at Dead shows. Dead shows was what kept me alive and going in the early 90's. It just felt wonderful to be with all the other dead heads, there was no judging, no negativity, just a peaceful loving environment that traveled city to city. Following Phil on Black almost felt as good. The cheers were so endorphin-rushing your skin tingled and hair on your arms stood up. I did also feel Tigers 'energy' too. Wow, was that powerful. Since I can't stand the guy, (Tiger ruined public golf - every asshole for years thought they could just walk out on the course and play without learning the etiquette , that's how easy Tiger makes it look) - his energy hit me like a freight train. I got out of there, it didn't feel good to me at all.
But I am looking forward to watching it on TV this year since its back at Black for the 2nd time. I will have a whole different perspective from the TV as opposed to walking with Phil. We did actually speak with his wife Amy every year as she walked 'outside the ropes' with the rest of us. If you see people in the gallery with periscopes - Phil's Dad sells them in the merch tent. For little guys like me , it was essential.
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John, Your entry brings back memories ... Uncle Bernie and I went to the Greater Hartford Open back in the early 80's. We were there with the best man from our wedding. We walked the course with the crowd. I had never been on a golf course before much less at a professional open. As I remember the weather and the course were both beautiful. We stopped at one point and talked with Hubie Green ... he gave me one of his golf balls. Uncle Bernie won't let me forget that I have one of Hubie's balls. I think he won that year. Cherish the good memories they help you through the tough times.
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