The first day we went was Tuesday. I still have the gout in my left knee so it was slow going. We went to Gaithersburg to catch a bus shuttle to the Open. We decided to wait until after the day's matches before trying to check into our hotel. It took about a half hour to get there, which really wasn't bad. We watched for around 6 hours and decided to head back to get situated in the hotel. We weren't sure of what the hotel (The Bolger Conference Center) was going to be like. We were hoping to have 2 double beds in each room. When we arrived, we found to our dismay that the rooms were about just large enough for one person. We started worrying about Pete coming to room with me for a few days, since the bed situation would have meant that we would have very little room if we slept in the same one, and there was no room for a cot. We tried, to no avail, to get a room with 2 beds, but they were gone.
The room situation was an intresting one. We had found a place with 2 double beds in each room in May, but Jimmy wanted to Priceline it and try to get them cheaper. They were $97 at a Wyndham. Jimmy wanted to wait, so when he did finally check again, they were all gone. The only place with any rooms that we could find, you guessed it, the Bolger. I was ticked at first, but it really turned out to work ok. We were able to get a shuttle from the Bolger to the Open and it only took abut 5 minutes. We pain $45 each, for the week, which was well worth it. The Bolger also had a restaurant/grill where we ate several times. We came to be of the opinion that you had to have failed at every other job you ever had before you could get a job at the grill. It was terrible service most of the time. An example, the first night there we all went to the grill, Jimmy, his son Brian and I. While looking for a table, we came accross a man from India, Prinz, who invited us to join him. Prinz was a self-professed computer genius. He had come to the grill a while ago and had not been waited on, so he thought if we all sat there he would get some service. The waitress did finally show up, Jimmy ordered an Amsteel and I ordered Miller Lite draft. Lening then came to visit and we ordered one for him. Lening and I ordered a draft beer and both got bottles, Jimmy was told they didn't have his beer, and so he ordered something else, which never came and they gave him a third type. We then ordered another beer and they said that Lening and I had received the last 2 drafts in the grill. They were free! They were also the worst tasting beers I have ever had. Meantime, Jimmy started seing people all over the grill with Amsteels.
We ordered food and it came cold, actuall probably colder than my beer! When it was time for the bill, nothing was correct. We tried to explain, but the waitress said it was out bill. We didn't argue since she had left off 2 sandwiches and 2 of the beers. Prinz, meantime, explained he only eats chicken as a meat, and only on three days of the week. He was eating chips and french fries for his dinner. He also did not drink alcohol, so he was a bit out of his league with us. Once Lening arrived, we spent about 15 hilarious minutes explaining to Lening why we were staying where we were. For a genius, Lening sure gets confused very easily.
Two days later at the grill, we each orderd a pizza. Not one of the 4 had the correct toppings, with Jimmy's being completely wrong. He sent it back.
The golf was exceptional. We were able to watch the eventual winner, Rory McIlroy, practice on Wednesday. A young girl, around 8 or 9 held a sign out saying "How about a hug, Rory". Rory signed everyone's autograph that was waiting for one (which was very unusual, many pros didn't) and then went back to the girl and gave a her a big hug. The girl was in shock! AT this point, I decided who I was cheering for. Rory being Irish, of course, didn't hurt.
As nice as Rory was, there were a few less friendly. Matt Kutchar ignored those asking for autographs. Bubba Watson also went past when we saw him at a hole. Davis Love seemed to think others were not even there. But for the most part, the pros were nice. Steve Stricker remains one the nicest guys and a favorite of mine. Padraig Harringtom was also very friendly.
During the week we went swimming a coupleof times and used the fitness room. On the Saturday of the Open, I went to the swimming pool, which was in another building. They were having a wedding reception there, and so here I was, in my trunks, sans shirts and shoes, trying to get into the building. I was turned away.
Caitlin came down for the weekend and we had a great time at the course and shopping. On Saturday Cait wanted to buy me a Father's Day present so we went to the main merchandise tent. While there I suggested that we try to have our picture taken next door at the Lexus exhibit. When we walked over, a young women asked if we would like to have Natalie Gulbis sign a picture for us. For those that don't know, I am a huge Natalie Gulbis fan. So we got in line. I was so nervous I was almost speechless (again, those that know me would have trouble believing this). She was as friendly and pleasant as I had expected.
Cait and I then had our pictures taken. We then went to try our hand at winning a Lexus at a contest on a video hole. It was a 178 yd shot over water. Jimmy and I had tried it earlier in the week. I was about 66 ft away from the hole. I was about 109th ranked. Jimmy had teed it up and when he hit it, it went straight up in the air, almost hitting his nose, struck the roof, and came back down, almost hitting his head. He wanted to know where he was ranked, but I explained you had to hit the screen to be ranked! Caitlin hit her ball a bit short and was about 50 foot. I was around 48 foot the second time.
The rest of the week had some great moments and many funny times. If not for the sore knee, it would have been one of the greatest times I've ever had. The eventual winner was, drum roll please, the aforementioned Rory McIlroy! Great young man, and I hope he wins many more.
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