The third annual PGA Tour event at Turningstone begins this week. For the second year in a row the forecast calls for great golf and not great weather. This is a terrible shame because Central New Yorkers tend to put off outdoor events until the weather improves but it’s a long way until May so I say put on every piece of clothing you own and come anyway.
Oneida Indian Nation President and CEO Ray Halbritter and his top notch staff worked years to get the PGA to consider our region. It is testimony to his enormous skills and the fact that you just can’t say no to this quiet but brilliant man that Halbritter succeeded.
The first year brought weather from the Gods. It was sunny, sparkling, warm and brilliant every day of the tournament and Halbritter had a sore back from all the pats congratulating him for not only bending the PGA, but the jetstream too on that inaugural event at Turningstone.
But last year the Oneidas were not so lucky. Nearly every day was chilly or wet or both at once. A few intrepid fans stood by the ropes, watching the pros make the most frustrating game on the planet almost look easy, but Halbritter had to be disappointed if not sympathetic to the turnout. The PGA was watching too. If we can’t show up to the most beautiful golf course within a hundred miles to cheer on the players and support this event, we’ll lose it.
Now it’s happening again. The forecast calls for chilly temperatures and plenty of rain. It’s understandable that with all the fear about unemployment, diminishing bank accounts and swine flu running amok and ending the world this winter, many moms will put their foot down and say Dad and the kids are prohibited from standing outside in the cold.
Well this mom has some other advice. There is no evidence that standing in the cold brings on a cold. Just go. It’s a thrill. You can’t watch these men whack a little ball all over the place and not marvel at how quickly they convince it to go in the little hole over and over again.
Bundle up. Bring a hat, bring your most weather- proof walking shoes, gloves. Let’s show the PGA and the players we’re grateful they selected our beautiful little corner of the world for a few days of golf.
The play begins at Atunyote Thursday morning. You can get ticket information at the turningstone website. I hope to see you there.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Maureen-
Nothing like returning from a trip on which the computer was not consulted and seeing one of your favorite authors busy as ever.
I’ll be there…no one is as crazy as an addicted golfer. But this event is a treasure in our backyard and folks do need to turn out. I’ve been there before and it is worth it..it’s amazing how close you can get to the pros here, unlike other tournaments where the gallery (or patrons for you Masters fans) size makes it hard to observe at such close distances.
And I’m out and about on this goofy day and will be headed to P&C for some honeycrisps….I’m always on the lookout for a good apple.
And now I ‘m going to yell at you….you have much yet to do, and to give. You should not play this game of roulette. Promise yourself you will not wait another 4 years for a physical….you ideally should have them yearly and take advantage of any screening tests they want to throw your way. They work. To put it another way, they will keep you working, and writing! Trust me, I know!
Don
They work
Hi Don, perhaps we’ll run into each other at turningstone. Hopefully it will be mobbed in spite of the weather which is deteriorating as I write. You had a good trip? And do try those honeycrisps and report back! The doctor situation is not as dire as it seems. As long as I make regular visits for mammograms and pap smears, which I do, my internist is satisfied with not seeing me much. I’m flattered by your concern. Thanks for reading so faithfully. Maureen