One of my observations from the 2019 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship event at Hazeltine National was those that were lucky enough to attend we’re not able to only see the greatest hundred players in the world of women’s golf, but were able to do so “up close and personal!” Unlike the Ryder Cup, where you might be able to get within 30 feet if you’re lucky! At this event, if you were patient, you could literally high-five Lydia Ko or Lexi Thompson. After their round, players would spend their time with fans smiling for selfies and sign countless autographs! No matter their score for the day, they did so with a smile. The second thing that was impressive was how well the majority of them swing. You don’t see many Jim Furyk or Bubba Watson swings out here. Sure some of them have been in “golf camps” basically golf academys in their country where they are pulled aside at an early age and trained and or sent to see the best instructors like Mike Benders or David Ledbetters of the world. I would see countless talented young Asian girls practicing endlessly in Florida at such academies.

Most spectators that I spoke to also impressed me with their work ethic – tireless hours spent digging dirt and rolling the rock. I love spending time on the range watching all the different swings. While meandering behind the range one sound stood out. That was of a rookie Maria Fassi. She recently won the NCAA Women’s Championship. Very few players have that “unique sound” only one other in my memory and that is Tiger Woods!

All in all besides the ultimate winner Hannah Green, Hazeltine National was again a big winner. The players raved about the course and the set up. To me a sign of a great golf course is when you can challenge both the best men during the 2016 Ryder Cup and now the best women in the 2019 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.

Not too long ago I was asked to join a group of “women” for a practice round for the U.S. Women’s Open qualifier at Rush Creek Golf Club.

Until the end of my days, I will never forget that round of golf where I got to be “up close” with three girls who’s age was almost 20 years less than mine if you added all of them up. Avery Zweig age 12 hit it within 20 yards of my drive and made more birdies, Bella McCauley hit it like I’ve always dreamed I could hit it (Adam Scott eat your heart out) and Joselynn Abbott was silky smooth and pure (very Annika Sorenstam like).

I was a spectator for the first time in my life for this USGA practice round (I was 16 years old in my first U.S. Open attempt), and I’ve never been a spectator. So this unique experience allowed me an aberration or maybe an admiration to a game that I love and has brought me so many friendships and success. Avery is from Dallas she’s 4’ 8” and pounds it! Her father Ivan is not a normal father of a “for sure” superstar in the making. He’s kept her grounded even though at age 12 – she’s now within the top 100 amateurs in the whole world to play this silly game. Bella and Joselynn are both local highly ranked and favorites out of Southview Country Club and have an immense passion for the game. Both Bella and Joselynn’s parents get it that these kids have a gift and are trying to encourage all of their passions and their gifts. Certainly a highlight of the day was just watching the sheer joy when each of them hit a great shot! Which was often!

That’s the beauty of the game. Whether or not you were watching the top 100 professionals or three young inspiring superstars in the making, if you love the game like I do then you love to watch good golf and enjoy the camaraderie of the competition.

Sometimes the players are the winner, sometimes the course is the winner and sometimes the spectators are the winners but the one thing that is constant it’s still the greatest game.