I awoke at 3:30am on Monday the 21st... (I forgot what a joy it is to arise that early). The reason I awoke so early is that I had to be at the course and signed in by 5:45am. The golf course is located in Scottsdale, which is north of me, which means anyone and everyone is going that way to get to Phoenix and their jobs. By arising extra early, I avoid some traffic and get a close parking spot for the end of the day... (after 13 or so hours walking to the car is a chore). The main parking lot is about a quarter of a mile from the front gate and there are shuttles to the security "command center" a little farther down the road. But the best news of the day was that it was miserable out...cold and raining and gloomy (kind of like every day back East lately minus the snow). Because there were very few golfers practicing, I walked the course with my lead guy and got familiar with the egress (fancy word for exit) points of each hole. My job for the week was to follow a golfer assigned to me and walk the course while he played and keep the fans away... (a sweeter gig I cannot imagine). Since it was miserable (I got soaked through at least 4 different times during the day) we followed one courageous pro (Nick Thompson) and his corporate golf mates around the course and Jake showed me the finer points of the course... (including "Tiger's Rock"-- the boulder moved by the gallery during one tournament and J.B. Holmes' plaque on 18 where his drive traveled over 360 yards the year he won the Phoenix Open). We also entered the "arena" (16th hole) which is the rowdiest hole in any PGA tournament bar none. It is completely closed in now with bleachers and skyboxes and it will get mighty loud come tourney time this weekend... (that weekend being the last in February, since I'm behind in my blogging).
After slogging around we were told to roam the grounds and look for drunks in the bar areas and food courts and Jake introduced me to the tournament volunteers and police working the event. Also showed me where to get free coffee and snacks each morning... (as personal security we were allowed to eat and drink what the players were offered since we were "inside the ropes"). Around 4:30 the last big rain came and brought some serious wind with it. The temporary fencing across from the main entrance was blowing down so we went over to secure it. The valet stand was there and as I was telling the girl there that she should move the stand, the wind blew the fence over and it slammed me across the shoulder blades. Luckily for the valet girl... (not valley girl--Whatever!) I was able to keep the fence from hitting her and she got out of the way before the rest of the fence toppled down. I filled out an accident report (just in case) but I was just sore. We signed out at 6pm and rode the shuttle back to the parking lot and then I sat in traffic...(accident on "the" 101). What is normally a half hour commute turned into an hour and a half...(luckily I was sitting down the whole time). Got home around 7:30, threw my clothes in the washer for Tuesday and threw myself in the hot tub for a couple cycles...
Oh yeah! Just before i left work for the day, one of the supervisors says "Jim, you ready for the party tomorrow night?" What party? Didn't they call you? The Thunderbirds (local group who sponsors the tournament) are having their "kickoff" party and we want you to work it...after your 12 hour shift on Tuesday. Bring black pants and shoes and we'll give you the black shirt. First I was hearing about it... (and it didn't get me out of it either). Something else to look forward to. At least the traffic will be gone by then...
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