Funky But True.

Happy Sunday to you. I hope the holiday is treating you well. The surprises continue for me as this weekend carries on. A little tired from the events of the last 72 hours, but all the more content and grateful for it.

Earlier in the week I was given a heads-up by a friend of mine that he might have an extra pass for today's final round at the Colonial in Ft. Worth. Told to check back as the week wound down. Which I did.

 At 10:30 pm last night at the end of an energetic REO Speedwagon set I was told to be in Funky town by 11am for directions to the Colonial. One week removed from the Byron Nelson in Las Colinas, I was excited to see another tournament with history and tradition up close and personal for the first time.

The few times I have made the trek to Funkytown, all I can say is the vibe and mood of the city strikes me in a good way. It has an identity polar opposite to Dallas. Not a knock, just an observation. I met up with my friend at the Ole Pancake House on University Drive.

Dressed appropriately, I knew what awaited me with the heat and humidity. I was ready for an experience since I was not permitted to take pictures of the golfers. Steve led me to a parking spot and then a shuttle took me to the entry way to the Colonial Golf Course.

What first caught my eye was the larger than life bronze statue of Ben Hogan, a multiple winner of the event in the 40's and 50's. I was then impressed by the lay of the course with big trees (providing ample shade on a 96 degree day). The course looked even better in person than on TV.

The moment I sauntered over to 18 I was two feet from Rory Sabbatini and his partner as they walked from nine to ten. The same thing happened as Steve Stricker and Corey Pavin did semi nudges as they walked right past me.

Tempted as I was to pull out the camera, I knew better. I was warned about the stringent rules regarding cell phone usage and camera usage. I waited...

Meantime I noticed how the field of golfers were in the middle of a mad scramble as a slew of players were flirting with the leader board. As the day progressed and the weather got nastier it was Zach Johnson who would eke out a victory by way of some great putting on 15 and 16.

The crowd was a golf crowd. Young and old, low key and subdued, many wearing the TCU colors and caps adorning the Ben Hogan and Colonial names. No shenanigans in comparison to what I have witnessed at the Byron tourney. I understand that one is a party. The other is a yearly event taken seriously by golf fans.

I headed for home as the clouds became more menacing. As I reached my car I heard thunder. The rains began to fall after I was on the I 30 heading to Dallas. A heavy storm cluster hit the Colonial. 55 minutes later play resumed and Johnson would lift the trophy.

My pass allowed access into the Champions Club. Air conditioned at that. Sure enough, ran into a few familiar faces while enjoying a burger. Tye Griesel and Rod Nelson caught me in the tent. Both are good gents to hang and chat with.

Special thanks to Steven for the access to a popular event. One that I will start to make a yearly habit much like the Byron. Now to configure a way to include the Valero or Shell. Somehow, some way.

Memorial Day appears to be a return visit to Lone Star Park. A day at the races while remembering the people who paid the ultimate sacrifice to allow me the freedom to watch horses at play.

In fact, allowing me the right to watch a concert, enjoy an outdoor sporting event, and smoke a good cigar. Freedom indeed! Thank You!

Three months short of nearing thirteen years without a drink, PLEASE be safe if you choose to go out and partake in the barleycorn.

Designate a driver, give your keys to someone, spend the night and don't drive. If you're out on the lake soaking it up, kudos to you and have fun. Be safe! I'd rather you pay a cabbie 100 dollars than you paying the state of Texas fifteen grand. I've been there, I know.

Happy Memorial Day!

Over and out in Big D

Mr. Will