In 2010 I added part of the Texas swing with CBS… and I am happy I did- here’s a big first for me- in the media center with a media credential… maybe I am really a golf writer now?
Byron Nelson- truly a legend in the game and certainly bigger than life!
I remember happening to be in Texas when Byron passed in 2006 and trying to sneak away from work to attend his funeral but wasn’t able to…
Being at the 2010 HP Byron Nelson I was able to meet Byron’s widow Peggy. as a gift I was given her book and after meeting her and reading the book I feel like I have met Byron- there are so many wonderful people in Texas…
Breakfast at Bubba’s with my friend Duffy who I met on a golf course in Dallas probably 10 years ago!
I met Chris the same day I met Duffy… two guys who are always ready to golf whether I give them an hour, day, week or month’s notice. Here Chris is helping me with my work- playing the Four Seasons course the day after the tournament for my “play-write” series…
Note: Captions continue after gallery of pictures…
Yeah this IS my drive on the 18th fairway at Four Season Las Colinas… yeah Rich- my FIRST drive!!!
In Columbus at the Memorial.. my “BFFB”… ” Best Friend on Face Book!!! Give us 5 years and I will be the best golf writer on tour and Jackie will be the best photographer!
The most difficult green complex ever seen- the 15th at Pebble Beach… the hood of a car is larger!!!
Here with 1955 U.S. Open Champion Jack Fleck (beat Ben Hogan in a playoff a olympic Club) and freind Ed… great guy, many notes for a great article some day soon!
2010 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach!
The 7th hole…
Just a beautiful place to be!
The 18th green…
With my hitchhiking sign… Johnny Miller picked me up and gave me a ride to the golf course! seriously- he signed my sign! Best part- U.S. Open Champions park in Lot 1- A+ living!
Met up with my buddy Rich… now a buddy for what 30 years!!! Does that really mean we are getting old… and losing our hair? Oh I forgot to put my cap on!
The Boyk with his two sons and best friend!
The Lone Cypress… maybe my inspiration for 2011???
Here with spotter friend Tall Jim and Brian… they played Cypress Point on Monday, I did not… at least yet…
Sir Walter getting ready for a cold, wet day playing Dubsdread at Cog Hill…
With Joe Jemsek Jr. at Cog Hill… still trying to convince he and daughter Katherine to let me write a book on Joe Sr.- the man who invented daily fee play at country club like venues!
The old foursome back in action at Shepherd’s Crook for the 32rd annual Chicago 36 hosted by Mr. Golf, Golf, Golf himself!
Three Binghamton boys playing Deltona Hills before the PGA merchandise show in Orlando!
What a great privilege to come back to my hometown for a Champions event… by the way Dick’s first store was in Binghamton, NY!
An honor to have a media credential and be in the media center with Binghamton’s own legendary sportswriter John Fox who incidentally published his last column that Sunday!
Me and the little guy- my hometown buddy Chuck… that must make me the BIG guy- right?
Also a native of Binghamton, NY and one of the most talented golf instructors in the world… Mr Todd!
The pitcher (andy) and catcher (Dave) from Binghamton High School Bulldogs some 30 years later!
Picture with Florida Governor Charlie Crist after he gave a speech at the PGA Merchandise show in Orlando.
Everything is a little fuzzy in politics- right?
With artist Linda Hartough… interesting conversation on how she paints… have notes, future story…
For serious golfers only- right?
On the job at Aronimik for Tiger’s AT&T National… inspiring natural golf course and large galleries!
There is always a story… met this man (in red coat) with friend walking down the road… the oldest living member of Aronimik… tried to find a courtesy cart so he did not have to walk…
Always wanted to go to the Greenbrier… inaugural tournament, great place, nice people and sings too
The Clydesdale horses showed up… I know what your thinking… horse’s head, horse’s aaaah that’s not nice!
BIG horse, BIG guy that needs to shed a few pounds!
The Greenbrier Classic… as Lynn Swann says… they have the largest “bunker” on the PGA TOUR! Took a tour of the Cold War bunker that was ready to house the United States Congress if needed.
I was waiting for the governor to arrive so I thought I would get a picture with the ladies in waiting… gotta love that Southern charm!
With then Governor of West Virginia Joe Machin, now United States Senator…
Here’s the leader of the “Grandma Groupies” of the PGA TOUR… seriously, very nice lady… her uncle Red Spiegle use to give lessons to Sam Snead!
Colorful and large Greenbrier tees!
The “home hole” at the Greenbrier is a par-3 amphitheatre-style… scene of some historic drama on Sunday afternoon!
Shortly after Stuart Appleby made a 15-footer to shoot 59 to win on Sunday… to cap off a fabulous week at the Greenbrier!
A quick stop at the Turning Stone tournament on the way to see my sister Chris… sadly this torunament is not on the 2011 schedule…
Finally made it to a “Barnes Barn Barbeque banquet Ball”… that’s 5 B’s in a row… a.k.a. old-fashion square dance in the country! Nephew Kyle (white shirt) won the Long Island Football Championship and niece Julie (purple) recently delivered two beautiful twin babies! — with Bob Ehrlich, Kyle Ehrlich, Bill Von Matt, Joanne Ehrlich, Julie Barnes, Christine VonMatt, Chris Von Matt and Andy Reistetter.
PGA Championship at Whistling Straits… can you guess what my career is?
Whistling Straits- a Pete Dye design with awesome views of Lake Michigan!
Somebody put a putter in my hands and gave me a ball… on a practice day! Those greens are FAST!
My buddy Garrett- future big-time cinematographer!!!
Just beautiful… par-3 17th green in background… don’t go left!
Dye’s diabolical greenside bunker on the 6th hole…
Ah the media center…
The Wanamaker Trophy… doesn’t Barb possess it? No Rich & Glen- that’s the WanaBE trophy!
The Barclays was back at Ridgewood CC this year… no ferry past the Statue of Liberty to Liberty National like last year…
Benefits of following the PGA TOUR- free skin cancer screenings- here the doctor gives me a thumbs up!
Where else can you meet a Shriner? In Las Vegas at the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospital for Children…
Even a Lady Shriner!
… and a Santa Spotter!
What? Justin Timberlake behind the counter in the local liquor store?
Here’s my spot in the booth!
A BUZZ siting in Las Vegas!
Sunset Hole for Jonathan Byrd’s walk-off ace!!! Par-3 17th at TPC Summerlin moments after his historic golf shot!
My buddy Joe in action on the Golf Channel set at the LPGA Championship in Orlando.
Q-School of PGA TOUR at Orange County National… won by Billy Mayfair!
My new friend Carol at the LPGa Q-School in Daytona Beach.
Ringing the bell with Sir Walter playing erin Hills after the PGA at Whistling Straits.
Playing Oak Hill CC earlier in the year- site of the 2013 PGA Championship.
The volunteer with the big stick at the World Golf Hall of Fame in St. Augustine…
Winter Autumn- seriously the cold snap in late December made for some beautiful scenery over the holidays!
A New Year’s Eve toast at the 19th at TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse in Ponte Vedra Beach… here’s to the best year ever in 2011!!!