Patrick's Blog

The finish at this year’s PGA Championship at Whistling Straits was exciting, perhaps even a little controversial, but there sure wasn’t anything arguable about the ace Tom Lehman scored on the par-three 17th hole Saturday afternoon.

Undoubtedly one of the most contentious holes the players face all season, 17 at the Straits Course is called “Pinched Nerve” for a reason, but the 1996 Open Champion barely seemed to notice as his tee shot found the cup.  223 yards.  One swing.  A great moment.

Ironically, I just happened to have a Limited Edition print of 17 with me in the merchandise tent.  Someone suggested we sign it and give it to Lehman, and… Voilà!  The moment was preserved.  All of us in the tent signed a letter to accompany the print, which was presented by the Whistling Straits management team to Tom.  I wasn’t at the presentation, but I understand TL was very pleased.

A fortunate coincidence – the kind we love at Stonehouse.  Preserving the memories of those special shots, holes and events is our mission, one we always appreciate sharing with friends and fans around the world.

Have a special golf moment you want to remember?  You’ve come to the right place.

Best,
Patrick

Being here at Whistling Straits this week reminded me of this:  When you watch the pros play golf on TV, you see them extremely focused, unsmiling for the most part, almost mechanical in demeanor and movement.  In the words of Jack Nicklaus, the players are “…in the midst of 50,000 people, alone with their game.”

That’s why I enjoy going to practice rounds – that’s where I get to see the players as human beings, not just golf machines.   In practice rounds the players can loosen up to an extent that’s impossible when millions of dollars in prize money are on the line.  They smile, sign autographs, and joke with each other and with fans.

Practice rounds allow amateurs like me to observe the world’s best players hone their craft, too.  Often the pros put three, four, or even five balls in play on certain holes so they can test clubs, ball flight or swing techniques.  It’s amazing to watch these guys, even when they’re just taking it easy.

The televised tournaments may generate more drama, but practice rounds definitely generate more fun.  If you want to really enjoy a tournament, take in some practice rounds.  And by the way, if you do, bring a couple Stonehouse mini-prints with you – they’re perfect for autographs.

The weather has been delightful since I arrived – light rain in the morning giving way to clear, sunny skies and temps in the mid-80′s by afternoon.  Wonderful golf weather to set the stage for the 2010 PGA Championship.

The Straits course appears to be in great shape.  In case you’ve never been here, this flagship of the Kohler Resort courses is a Pete Dye masterpiece of links-style design – over 7,500 yards of dunes, pot bunkers and rolling greens set along two miles of Lake Michigan shoreline.  This year I’ve brought images of #7 and #17, perhaps two of the most beautiful and challenging par-3 holes the players face all season.

Who will hoist the Wanamaker Trophy on Sunday?  That remains to be seen, but I know this year’s PGA Championship will be fun to watch, and I certainly look forward to watching in the air-conditioned merchandise tent, where I’ll be signing prints and shaking hands with as many Stonehouse fans as possible.  If you’re coming up, I invite you to stop by.