A Day at the Nelson

Yesterday I attended my very first PGA event--the EDS Byron Nelson Championship in Las Colinas. A good friend of mine, Chris Owen, came by some tickets via his wife's work, and so we spent the day cruising the beautiful course architecture of the TPC Four Seasons Resort. And best of all, we didn't spend a dime!

After arriving and watching some warmups, we checked in at the "Chairman's Guest" tent (yes, we were the special guests of the Chairman) to receive our colored wrist bands. Those bands were our tickets to breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and drinks. All you could eat and, yes, all for free. (Thank you Mr. Chairman!) Following check-in, we parked ourselves next to the 1st green and watched some of the early groups play through.

After a while, the group we had been waiting for finally came through. Phil Mickleson, Vijay Singh, and Cory Pavin were approaching the green. Phil hit an amazing approach from the cabbage (for you non-golf types, it really wasn't cabbage, just a very lush, thick, DEEP layer of grass off the faiway that can gobble up a golf ball in an instant) that lipped around the cup; an easy tap-in birdie for Lefty that greatly excited the gallery.

Well, we followed Phil's group for a few holes, then took up residence at the 8th green to bask in the sun and enjoy some conversation. Once our group caught up again, we watched one more hole and then headed for lunch (mmm...lunch!). Following lunch we found a seat on the balcony of the Chairman's Tent overlooking the 17th green. It was great just to sit and chat without a million things competing for my attention. I can't remember the last time I was able to spend 15 minutes, much less 7 hours, of uninterrupted time with a true friend. After the day I could feel the comfort and joy in my soul. Its somthing that I've been missing for a long time; I just didn't realize it.

After some time our group came through. Phil lost a stroke on the par 3 17th and another on the par 4 18th--not the way you want to finish an opening round. Chris and I poked around a while longer, watched Phil graciously sign autographs (even after the tough end to his day), and then headed out.

Yesterday was a great day.