By Rick Adams
Senior Editor
Scratch Golfer Magazine
Tuesday is the best day of tournament week to watch the world's premier golfers, in my opinion. Of course, the dramatics take place on Sunday afternoon, and it's thrilling to see how Tiger or Lefty or Ted Purdy handles the final-round pressure – if you can elbow through the crowds, close enough to see a shot or two.
On Tuesday, practice round day, there are no crowds. Fans number in the hundreds, not the tens of thousands. You can get close to any player on any shot. Your kid doesn't have to battle with the memorabilia mooches for an autograph. You can bring a camera and rapid-fire all the photos your album will handle. No 25-minute wait to pay for a souvenir shirt in the pro shop. At the practice range and green, you can sneak a peek at the equipment technology that will hit the market in the next six months. And at most PGA Tour events, there's no charge for admission.
Here are a few random moments from Tuesday at this year's EDS Byron Nelson Classic:
Jesper Parnevik in a snug-fitting aqua green shirt and orange visor, reclining on his red-and-black Wilson Staff golf bag, hands behind his head, observing grey-on-grey Vijay Singh hit practice shots.
“Staccato” Singh, machine-like, rolling another practice ball into place and starting his next swing before the previous ball has even landed. He probably hits 2-3 practice shots for every one by the typical Tour player.
Billy Mayfair, on the far left of the practice tee, aiming at a green just in front of players on the far right – no more than a 15-degree angle. Hope he doesn't shank one “Tin Cup” style.
Charles Howell, shorter and slighter than you'd expect for a big hitter. His build and tee shot length remind you of Chi Chi Rodriguez.
Adam Barr, Golf Channel reporter, poking through player bags on the practice tee, collecting information on the latest 14-club mix for his “What's In The Bag?” program.
The fawning “entourage” surrounding many players – caddy, swing teacher, mental guru, fitness trainer, agent, manufacturer's reps, broadcast and print media. What, no dental hygienist to polish a trophy-hoisting smile?
Justin Leonard, in anticipation of next month's US Open, asked for a brief description of Tom Meeks, who sets up the courses for the USGA. Response: “Melba toast,” presumably for the dry, crunchy greens last year at Shinnecock.
Fodder for a new rumor? Leonard commenting that he's now in a position to analyze his own swing most of the time. “I have a good feel for what I'm trying to do with the golf club.” Is Justin drifting away from Butch Harmon, as Tiger Woods previously did?
Vijay second-guessing the location of Jim Furyk's drop from the 18 th hole hazard in the Wachovia Championship playoff (won by Singh). Vijay opined that, had Furyk dropped on the other side, the drop would have rolled back into the water, allowing Jim to then place the ball in a lie from which he could have tried to reach the green, instead of laying up.
Frosted-hair Daniel Chopra, hitting over the Texas-shaped green on the 1 st hole of the Cottonwood Valley course, landing in the Oklahoma-shaped bunker (in the vicinity of Tulsa ).
Caddies rolling golf balls around the portions of each green where a tournament pin is likely to be placed, taking notes on the speed and amount of break.
Players and caddies using laser rangefinders to gauge the distance to key fairway bunkers, water hazards, and dogleg-corner trees.
Brendan Jones practicing pitches and lobs from greenside collection areas. Soft hands. A “quiet” lower body. Rhythmic, no jerkiness. And amazing spin for a 10-yard shot.
Singh, who has made about $16 million in the past 16 months, picking his 2-cent tee off the ground.
At the BankAmerica Colonial, since there's only one pro-am event, Monday is also a free admission practice round. Enjoy.
Tuesday is the best day of tournament week to watch the world's premier golfers, in my opinion. Of course, the dramatics take place on Sunday afternoon, and it's thrilling to see how Tiger or Lefty or Ted Purdy handles the final-round pressure – if you can elbow through the crowds, close enough to see a shot or two.