OK, so here’s the deal: I’m not a golfer.
In any way, shape or form.
It’s not as if I hate golf, but I’ve never played a round of golf in my life and I’ve only watched bits & pieces of various golf tournaments, usually while channel-surfing for a reality show or a Lifetime TV movie.
Obviously, I would recognize Tiger Woods if he sat down next to me, but I would probably ask him about his wife, new baby or what celebrities he’s been hanging out with lately.
It’s kinda funny then that I grew up and still live in the birthplace of one of the all-time greatest golfers to have ever lived….Jack Nicklaus.
Yes, as I’m sure you all know — Jack is a legend here in Columbus, Ohio and beyond (rightfully so), and he brings the renowned Memorial Golf Tournament to the city of Dublin, Ohio just after Memorial Day every year.
The tournament takes place at Muirfield Village Golf Club, on a beautiful course designed by Jack himself.
I always know when it’s Tournament time here again, due to the inevitable week’s worth of rain in the forecast. It almost never fails.
The Memorial Tournament was established in 1976 and historically had been played on Memorial Day weekend. Due to consistent spring rains during that time in central Ohio, the Tournament is now played during the first week in June. The move to a week later in the spring has seemed to help stop the rain delays….just a bit.
OK, so I’m now in my mid-40’s (did I really just type that?) and have lived in Central Ohio for most of my life….and I have never, ever been to the Memorial Tournament.
Shocker, I know.
While I’m at it, how about another shocker?
I can now say that I’ve not only been to the illustrious Memorial Golf Tournament…..
I think I may actually enjoy the game of golf!
Hmmm, perhaps I should clarify that somewhat. I’ve discovered that I enjoy being at a beautiful golf course, surrounded by other people who are enjoying the game of golf.
I went on the Friday of Tournament week this year and tagged along with a friend who although he was a knowledgeable golfer, had never been to the Memorial Tournament.
He was more than happy to instruct me on the in’s and out’s of attending a big-time golf tournament such as this.
Apparently, it’s very important not to talk loudly about what the person across the green is wearing on their head, when a player is getting ready to putt.
I loved learning golf tips.
I must also say, I now love walking around golf courses. The weather was absolutely gorgeous that day. Not a rain cloud in sight, nothing but sunny skies, happy golfers & golf-lovers, roaming around a beautiful setting full of flowers and rolling golf greens.
Oh yeah….and lots and lots of blonde people in plaid.
Seriously, did you expect me to watch golf the entire time? When the only bogey I know is Humphrey Bogart and when you say birdie, I say “Bye Bye” — you know the putting and chipping won’t hold my interest for long.
I gotta tell ya, that place was prime people-watching at it’s finest. So much better than the airport. I’m thinkin’ it must have been the fresh air and flowers.
Thanks to some intel information provided by my tournament companion, I was particularly interested in observing the species of tournament-attendee known as the “Golf Groupie.”
They are fairly easy to spot around the course because they tend to favor short shorts, short skirts or short dresses….and the same type of footwear: heels, high heels.
As a newbie to golf and a first-time tournament-attendee, I chose to wear my comfortable and practical white Chuck Taylor low-tops that day.
Believe me when I tell you, no one mistook me for a “Golf Groupie.” I’m just sayin’.
I’m still a bit unclear on how they navigate the golf greens and all of that walking from hole to hole.
From what I could gather, there were a few ill-timed stumbles….but all in all it didn’t seem to be a problem whatsoever. In fact, they seemed to make out rather well.
I must also mention the proliferation of Tournament house parties. After marveling to my companion about the many beautiful homes and gardens that surround the tournament course, I was informed that many Muirfield homeowners move out of their homes during Tournament week and rent to companies so they may entertain important clients and guests in a grand fashion.
Are you kidding me? What a great idea, especially for a new golf-watcher like me. I had no clue how much enjoyable time these people spent away from the actual game they were there to watch. I was more than happy to try that out.
The fact that you are eating, drinking and visiting with beautiful people in a beautiful home, while standing a mere few steps away from a golfer trying valiantly to remain under par for the day….that really appealed to me and my enjoyment of the game.
Oh yeah, so did the free beer and pizza.
Yes, as I said in the beginning….I am not a golfer, and have never really followed the game. However, after one beautiful June Friday afternoon spent at the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio — I now consider myself to enjoy watching those who enjoy watching the game of golf.
I also enjoy eating and drinking and walking around with those who enjoy watching the game of golf.
Therefore, I suppose….I really do enjoy the game of golf.
Wow, I can’t wait to tell Tiger all about it the next time he sits down by me.
—————————————–
By the way, for those of you interested in more of the factual Tournament info from this year, I’ve included the following for you:
2009 Memorial Tournament Schedule
June 1st – 3rd Practice rounds.
June 3rd Skins game. Winnings donated to The First Tee
(Cameras allowed, Rainy and Cold)
Official Results
June 4th – 7th Tournament Play
(Sunny and mid 70’s. Perfect weather)
Official Results:
Total Purse: $6,000,000
2009 Winner: Tiger Woods
Winnings: $1,080,000
Tiger Woods has won the Memorial Tournament more than any other player. Total of 4 wins.
(1999, 2000, 2001 and 2009)
Links to sites
The Memorial Tournament website
PGA Tour
Official Jack Nicklaus website
