Kudos To a Rookie!

Hello and Happy Memorial Day everyone. 

To all that currently serve and to those who have family who did, thank you!

Random thoughts about this weekend's Byron Nelson:

The overall crowds were not what I expected. You can blame the holiday for some of that to be sure. Unless you are a golf aficionado I wonder if the casual fan will brave the elements and walk around a course in windy 95 degree heat?

Thankfully Sunday's final round featured less humidity and more windy conditions. The direction the winds took varied from hole to hole. It was great to walk the length of the course and really entrench myself in the play of some of the golfers.

I was surprised and shocked at the troubles Sergio Garcia had with his game on Sunday in Las Colinas. At one point he was 5 over for the day. 

Jordan Spieth for half the day appeared like he might be in the running before the back nine made him mortal. Jeff Overton I thought might make a play for the cup late. That was not to be. Ryan Palmer hung tough all day.  Along with a kid named Keegan Bradley, a rookie from Vermont who showed alot of grit and determination all afternoon. 

It culminated in a playoff. When Ryan Palmer found the water on #18 in the playoff, it was Mr. Bradley's to win. Which he did. In the interview room Keegan came across as wise beyond his years and unbelieving about what just happened. Great to see two different perspectives from a vet like Dave Toms last week and Keegan yesterday.

Also on Sunday I was able to have a quick conversation with Peggy Nelson. I met Lord Byron and Peggy on Election Night 2004 at a volleyball game in Flower Mound.

It was a wonderful moment being able to acknowledge a man who meant everything to golf. Peggy said she remembered that evening. Way cool! 

I got more of a shiver seeing all the golfers pay their respects to Peggy Nelson post-match. When Jordan Spieth was done, you would have thought there was a rock concert about to go down. Bid Jesuit crowd followed Jordan to the interview area. Amazing. 

As I was packing my belongings up to head home there was Keegan Bradley acquiesing to interview after interview. Found out later he went to Cool River for a cigar. Way cool.

My first overall experience at the Byron and not working it was very memorable. Met some great people and had some wonderful moments in between. Look forward to doing it again next year and the next and...

Have a safe and sane Memorial Day! Off to Lone Star Park!

Over and out in Big D.

Mr. Will