I wandered out to Royal Melbourne Golf Course today to watch practise rounds for the 2011 President’s Cup. Its a great way of watching professional golf – the crowds are smaller and the admission costs are slightly lower than during the tournament itself. The day itself was perfect Melbourne weather – sunny with only light wind and the friendly disposition of the players matched the weather. Very relaxed and casual. Its the second time I have watched the great Tiger Woods live but the first time I have seen Jason Day, Bubba Watson and one of my all time favourite golfers, the likeable Ernie Els. All of the 24 golfers present were among the greatest figures in modern golf so an outstanding field. Royal Melbourne itself is possibly Australia’s greatest golf course and probably one of the best anywhere. It was in immaculate condition. I’d love to play it!
We picked a spot on the 392 metre 17th hole (not the regular 17th on either of the courses here) and watched the whole field come through in the afternoon. For most players it was a 260-270 metre drive followed by a lofted approach. Bubba Watson one of the world’s longest hitters struck a massive blow of pretty close to 300 metres that was the longest we saw all day. It was a great shot but what truely amazed us was that we later found he had hit an iron off the tee! He did have a tail wind and the hole is slightly downhill but this is still an enormous hit.
A memorable day. (156)
Nice, Harry….though I’m not sure personally what the big fuss about the President’s Cup is, the experience of seeing some of the best talent in the sport is nonetheless a great experience, truly enjoyable, no doubt!
Its an event staged for charity and there is a fair bit of nationalism at stake. Australia hasn’t won it for quite a while.
Also it may have just been the sunny day but the atmosphere everywhere seemed friendly and laid-back. At one stage a young kid about 3.5 years old ran out onto the fairway with a miniature golf club and a couple of balls. He gave them a decent wallop – very respectable – and Phil Mickelson and the American golfers were entranced. Phil gave him a high five as the kid’s father retrieved his son. Good vibes.