Inside the PGA Tour: Tournament Surroundings
7/10/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
July 10, 2002
Each month, former Baylor golfer and current PGA professional Jerry Smith writes a column for the official Baylor athletic web site describing various aspects of the PGA Tour. For past columns, please browse our archives.
Every week the PGA Tour packs up its bags and travels to a new destination. Each event rolls the red carpet out for the players and their families and the show begins.
Obviously, the game of golf itself does not change much week to week, but the surroundings of an event definitely make one stand out more than another.
Let's start the highlight reel with favorite food destinations. The International serves the best Haagen-Dazs milkshakes, which at an altitude of 5,000+ feet is not a recommended pre-round snack. Pork chop sandwiches can be found at the John Deere Classic in Moline, Ill. Pronto Pups (foot-long corn dogs) are a mainstay at the FedEx St. Jude Classic in Memphis, Tenn. While in Memphis, we rarely miss a chance to visit Corky's Bar-B-Que. The Shell Houston Open is a close second for bar-b-que and they serve it right at the back of the driving range. Tex-mex is a favorite at any of the Texas sites and when in New Orleans, the Acme Oyster Company is a "must do" (they host a fantastic private party to players and family).
Along with great food, all Jack Nicklaus design golf courses boast the best locker room facilities. These include Muirfield Village (Memorial), Castle Pines (International), Glen Abbey (Canadian Open) and Montreux (Reno-Tahoe Open).
Often times, players receive a gift from either the tournament sponsor or tournament committee. Without a doubt, Waterford Crystal supplies the best. The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-am, the Memorial and the Compaq Classic of New Orleans gave out a champagne bucket, millennium bowl and champagne flutes last year, respectively. Certain events such as the Kemper Open, give the winner a complete crystal set (valued at $75,000!) along with the trophy (and check).
Great family stops include Hawaii and Harbour Town for the beaches, Disney World, Williamsburg and San Antonio for the amusement parks, Las Vegas and New York for the shows and entertainment, and Vancouver and Miami for the fishing. The Western Open in Chicago is also a must. This event is always held on July 4th weekend and holds a great fireworks show along with the Taste of Chicago.
As one might expect, the golf courses each week are in pristine condition. Augusta, Muirfield and Castle Pines are the best there is, in that order. The Phoenix Open and Byron Nelson in Dallas boast the largest crowds and best party atmosphere. One tends to experience a stiff neck and sore eyes at the end of these weeks! Also, you will find great party tents, the most famous of which is the Birds' Nest in Phoenix. Another fun party destination, though this one doesn't get much recognition, is the B.C. Open in Endicott, NY. This has the smallest purse on Tour and the weakest field being opposite the British Open, but it is the most intimate environment for fans and players. Plus, they have old-time favorites such as .38 Special and Chicago perform on the course each evening right after the last putt is holed.
Finally, players set their sites on certain events each year for their prestige. Of course, the four majors and the year-ending Tour Championship for the Top 30 money winners head the list. Other events are highlighted for their host such as Bay Hill (Arnold Palmer), Memorial (Jack Nicklaus), Dallas (Byron Nelson), Colonial (the late Ben Hogan), AT&T Pebble Beach (the late Bing Crosby) and Palm Springs (Bob Hope).
Lastly, the Players Championship, held on the most intimidating golf course we play all year, the TPC at Sawgrass, is host to the most famous hole in golf. It is the famed island green par-three 17th. It only measures some 140 yards, but talk about a shot that makes the best players in the world sometimes look like amateurs! The best viewing of this hole is on Wednesday of tournament week. Each caddy gets one shot, closest to the hole, for all the money put in a jar funded by the pros. This little game is highly competitive as the caddies, some of whom are former PGA players, vie for about $3,000.
My hat is off to all the tournaments that make up the PGA Tour. Each and every one goes to great lengths to make each week a memorable one for the players and fans alike.
Sic 'em Bears,
