Wednesday At The Players

A lovely breeze combined with a lively atmosphere made it quite enjoyable to tootle around the TPC Sawgrass.

The Wednesday Caddie Competition lived up to the hype, with a huge gallery turning out to add to the caddie misery experience.

After walking off of the 16th green, players arrive at the net protected tee and greet some less fortunate souls who are thankfully given a front row seat by the tour. After a wait, the players leisurely swing away at the 17th green, which, contrary to some claims is not as large as portrayed (3,900 square feet and steeply contoured, it plays very small). All you can think is, the tempo won't be so fluid tomorrow. Enjoy it while you can!

Will MacKenzie, looper (click on image to enlarge)Following their practice shots, the players move over to the left side of the tee where another set of blocks are placed. A tip jar allows players to make a charitable donation. Some loopers on the range later said the haul was around $4000 and that the PGA Tour matches the number.

Great up-to-date info on the incredible video screens keeps fans involved in the caddie competition (click to enlarge)The caddies begin their preparation, some taking practice swings, others moving over to the side to loosen up a bit, though most have probably taken a few swings earlier in the ridiculously slow practice round.

Before teeing off, player heckling is a given. While I was watching, only Will MacKenzie actually lugged his player's bag from tee to green, a tradition that doesn't seem to be too closely adhered to by other players. (Granted, that would be an embarrassing reason to WD...strained lower back caused by caddie competition luggage toting.)

Vijay's caddie, Chad Reynolds. Not the scoreboard info for fans (Click to enlarge image)As for the overall scene, the overall atmosphere--and here comes the first dreaded major reference--is major-like. For a Wednesday it was remarkably festive out on the course, all highlighted by the action on 17.

The amenities, presentation and overall convenience factor for fans is second to none once you are on the property. (Apparently the city of Ponte Vedra Beach hired a lunatic to time their A1A signals. Nor do they apparently have any traffic control officers on the payroll. And that's the last time I'll bitch about traffic, tonight.)

Most striking thing of all. There are kids everywhere. Having fun. Enjoying golf.

The players seemed more friendly than normal, doling out balls and autographs. Apparently most schools just take the week off, or, in the case of Teacher Of The Year Mr. House's second grade class, they get their own standard bearer.Mr. House's second grade class gets the royal Players treatment. (Click to enlarge)