The Manor

Easton, Maryland

July 20, 2013

After our week in Texas we flew back east for our next tournament on the Maryland shoreline. This event is the first time the AJGA has been to Talbot Country Club in Easton, Md. The course seems to be in great shape and the country club is fantastic. The tournament starts Monday and until then we will be setting things up and getting ready. 

No matter how nice the course is or how well the tournament goes I already know what the highlight of the trip is going to be. We are not staying at a house this week we are staying at a “Manor.” This is the biggest house I have ever been to. The Canterbury Manor as it’s called is right on the Chesapeake Bay and has everything you could ever image. It has boats, jet ski’s, a pool, a guest house, a barn, a pool house, enough land to hold a football game, and a gazebo right in front of the bay.  

The view from the gate at Canterbury Manor

All of our host family situations have been solid, but this is just next level. We have already gone to their pool and it’s exceptional. After a little while in the pool we headed to the Chesapeake Bay for some salt water. The bay water was really warm and it was an overall great experience swimming in the salt water for the first time this summer. Unfortunately there was one casualty to the Bay: Kathleen’s iPhone.   

The pool that looks out into the Bay

We are sleeping in the guest house which is bigger than more regular houses. I doubt there are many more houses like this on the eastern seaboard. This Canterbury Manor is over 100 years and the main block built by Colonel F. Carroll Goldsborough. 

All the guys on team five are staying in the Manor this week. This is going to be a unique experience. Should be a fun week.  

Not a bad view from the backyard

On to the next

Abilene, Texas

July 19, 2013

The Aaron’s / Bob Estes Abilene Junior is over and I’m currently at the Abilene Airport. This airport is quite unique. If you look around you can see all ends of this building. This is definitely the smallest airport I have ever been in.  There are four gates, and hardly enough space to fit one 757. The planes that come into Abilene are quite small. These are the type of planes that I will have to duck my head to get in, and the type of planes that fellow teammate Tony will have to crouch to get into. I was in row 15 in Abilene, good for second to last row of the aircraft. From Abilene we take the 27 minute trip to Dallas where we will connect on a normal size plane and get back to Washington DC. 

This week we finished 54 holes of golf, which for other weeks is standard procedure. This week the rain made the tournament anything but standard. Somehow we still finished everything. We only had two days, but all golf was completed. On the first full day of golf most played 18, some played more, but only one group finished 36. This meant for a long final round day. Now as interns we are use to long days, but for the golfers this was an uncommonly long day. First they had to conclude the second round. This meant the first wave finishing up where they had to stop due to darkness the previous night. This also meant the second wave starting their second rounds. All in all in got done at about 2:15 p.m. 

This is when things got interesting for the communications depart. The goal was to get the final round shotgun off at 3 p.m. This meant a lot of work, fast work for us to meet our goal. First, all the second round score cards must be entered, and then we had to make the cut. After the cut was finalized the pairings had to be finalized.  While this is going on everyone else needs to keep the juniors informed and make sure they know where they’re going and what’s going on. This was an all hands on deck situation. 

With fast work from fellow Comms Michael and Meaghan, and good help from operations interns we met our goal. The air-horn was blown at 2:59 p.m.  I was definitely happy to meet this goal because at times it looked as if it was not going to happen. The timeliness of the start really set us up for success later in the day.

The shotgun went smoothly and everyone was in around 7 p.m. This allowed for a solid award ceremony and outdoor pictures, which we thought would have never happened at the beginning of the day. Somehow some way 54 holes were completed, and we had  a great tournament in Abilene. 

It was nice to meet PGA Tour professional and tournament sponsor Bob Estes. Abilene is his hometown; it’s great to see him giving back to junior golf. 

The tournament finished, I experienced my first week in Texas, and the drought in West Texas is officially over. I would say this was a successful week. Off to Maryland for next week’s tournament.

Tony struggled getting on our rather small plane in Abilene

OB:

This morning before heading to the airport I was watching The Open Championship. I have always wanted to head across the pond and go to The Open or Wimbledon. Being a huge sports fan there are many sporting events that I need to go to at some point. Here is my top 10 list of sporting events I want to attend.

10. The Open Championship- So much tradition and so much history. This would be a fun contrast to tournaments in the states. 

9. SEC football game- As a northerner the SEC culture fascinates me. I would love to go to a big Alabama/LSU or Florida/Georgia game. 

8. Game at Wrigley Field- Fenway will always be my favorite, but I would love to experience a game in the friendly confides. 

7. Rose Bowl- The granddaddy of ‘em all seems like a great way to spend New Year’s Day. 

6. World Series game at Fenway Park- My team my stadium, I would love to see it lit up on the world stage. 

5. Wimbledon- The championships are always fun to watch. I would love to experience them in person. I’ve been to the US Open and it’s fantastic. I would love to see how England does grand slams. 

4. Stanley Cup Final game at TD Garden- There has been some good opportunities in recent years to get this one done, but I haven’t gotten the chance. Hopefully in the near future the Bs will be back in the final. 

3. Final Four- The culmination of the most fun sporting event of the year that takes place in April once a year. New Orleans would be the perfect city when I go to my first final four. 

2. The Masters- Watching The Masters is always one of my favorite things to do every year. Someday I want to walk the Augusta National grounds in person. 

1. The Super Bowl- This biggest sporting event in America is undoubtedly the number one game I want to go to. However there is a slight asterisk here. Although it would amazing to go to any Super Bowl, the Patriots being in the game would make this a number one that couldn’t be topped.

 

Rain Out

Abilene, Texas

July 17, 2013

The rain follows team five. All I heard coming into this week was how hot it was going to be in Texas. However as soon as part of team five showed up their drought ended and the city of Abilene recorded record lows. I guess rain is just the theme of the summer for our team.  We have gone only one week without a rain delay in our six weeks this summer.

This first round of the Aaron’s Bob Estes Abilene Junior was completed washed out. Not one hole was played. We arrived to the course in a downpour at 5:45 a.m. when we arrived we knew things were not looking good because No. 18 fairway was underwater. No. 18 was the first of many holes that had issues because of the weather.

We left the course at 8 a.m. with thoughts of returning later in the day to play some golf. Unfortunately these thoughts did not come through. This meant a sort-of day off for the intern crew. This was our first of the summer. I hardly knew what to do with myself with all that time. We hang out in the room for a long time in the morning. That was a change of pace, but a welcomed one. Then we went to the movies for a 3:30 showing of World War Z. Conveniently our hotel was located right next to the movie theater.  I thought the movie was fairly entreating, but nothing special. Fellow intern Paul hated the movie, and thought it was terrible. However Paul’s thoughts have little validity considering he thinks the Seahawks are winning this Super Bowl this season. Nonetheless it was good to see my first movie of the summer.

Today the course has drained as well as we could have hoped and the juniors are back playing golf. Hopefully the rain is gone for good, and we can get in 54 holes of golf. We only have a couple days left in Texas, and it is still up in the air on whether we see the Texas summer heat or not.

No. 18 at Abilene Country Club after a night of rain 

OB:

Last night was the MLB all-star game at Citi Field in Flushing, NY. This marked Mariano Rivera’s last all-star game ever. As a Red Sox fan there are certain Yankee’s you just can’t help but to respect. Rivera is on the top of this list (A-Rod is on the bottom). Mo has been so good for so long it’s astonishing. There was always little hope when he would come in with a one-run lead against the Sox. He only threw one pitch, but the pitch happened to be one of the most dominate pitches ever. Rivera’s the best closer of all-time and there’s no doubt I will never see anyone do it better.  I’m glad he’s calling it a career. The Yankee’s become a lot easier to beat come April 2014. I would also like to thank Mo for being on the mound for two of my favorite Red Sox moments ever, game 4 and 5 of the 2004 ALCS. 

Rolex Tournament of Champions

Lancaster, Pa. 
July 14, 2013

Another tournament is in the books after the Rolex Tournament of Champions completed at Lancaster Country Club. This was a unique tournament with a lot going on, but overall we had a great week. The venue couldn't have been any better. Home of the 2015 U.S. Women's Open Lancaster CC was in terrific shape and made our week smooth. We also got very lucky with the weather. Somehow we missed all the storms in the area, and never had a weather delay.

This was our first invitational, this meant new features to the event. For starters three was a lot more staff members involved. Secondly this was a four-round tournament. We had been use to three rounds. The level of play was also the highest we had seen. To get into this field juniors either had to have a championship or a high ranking. The golf was really competitive featuring scores as low as 64.

In the Girls Division Alison Lee won her third tournament in a row. She is on quite a run and makes so few mistakes on the golf course. She captured the lead in the second round and never looked back, Last week her tournament included a 63. Lee has racked up an impressive nine titles in her time with the AJGA.

In the Boys Division Benjamin Griffin had a come from behind win after posting a final-round 65. The 65 was highly impressive considering the final round pressure and the rain that fell on the back nine. The rain didn't stop Griffin nailing an 81 foot putt on No. 15. "I knew it was my day after that fell," Griffin said.

There was a lot of action on the back nine in the final round of the Boys Division. Griffin eventually won by a stoke after making a 25 footer on No. 17 for birdie. Griffin's name will now be placed with Phil Mickelson, David Duval, and Webb Simpson as winners of the Rolex Tournament of Champions.

The week was long but for the most part everything went smoothly. The venue was outstanding and the tournament went great. This week had the feel of a really big tournament. The Rolex signage, the course, and the field all made for a big time week.

The first couple nights of the week I stayed at a hotel in downtown Lancaster. I had know idea Lancaster was a city. I assumed it was a town with a sweet golf course in it. I was very wrong. Lancaster is a city of about 60,000 people. The downtown area was really nice, and I got to stay there for a couple of days. After the hotel we stayed at a house on No. 5. Got to experience a hotel and a host family this week. Team five had a great week at Lancaster for the Rolex Tournament of Champions, next week we split up and I will be headed to Abilene, Texas.

Lancaster Country Club served as out host this week for the Rolex Tournament of Champions

OB:

After the tournament concluded team five split up. The foursome that I was apart of went to Reagan Airport in Washington DC to get to Texas. We arrived in DC at about 10:30 a.m. and our flight wasn't until 6 p.m. With the extra time we decided to a little sight seeing. I had never been to DC before. We saw a lot and had a great time. In total we did about three hours of walking around seeing all that we could. We went to up to the Capital Building, The Lincoln Statue, and the White House. I wish we had more time but nonetheless it was a great experience that I never tough I would have looking at our schedule. We made our way to the Airport after checking things out downtown. We first flew into Dallas, then got on to a very small plane to take the 27 minute flight to Abilene. I've never been to Texas before either, hopefully we have another good week in Abilene.

Half of team five was able to do some sight seeing in Washington D.C. before catching our flight

Lancaster

 

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

July 6, 2013

We arrived in Lancaster yesterday around lunch time. We made great time on the road and made it to the Country Club in about five hours. The course is the best course we have been to so far. The place is truly amazing. The country club is 113 years old and in immaculate shape. The 2015 Women’s US Open will be held at Lancaster Country Club, but this week it will be the Rolex Tournament of Champions. 

 

This is the biggest tournament we have been to so far. The tournament is one of the longest running at the AJGA. The field is strong, and the course more than meets the requirements. This will be a unique tournament with a lot going on. Former champions of this event include Phil Mickelson and Webb Simpson.

Today was a rare day with not a lot of hours. We only worked 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. We were setting things up today and getting ready for the tournament. Taking the tour of the course yesterday was a fun cart ride. This course would be a lot of fun to play. We stuffed bags today with the player’s gifts. The juniors get more than normal at this event including a sweet hat and visor. We also set up the trophy display today in the pro shop. The trophies are special at this event, definitely didn’t want to drop those. 

We are at our first invitational event, should be a good week. 

Our host this week will also host the 2015 Women's US Open

Finishing New York

Victor, NY

July 4, 2013 

Today we closed out the Ravenwood Junior and crowed champions.  In the final round we saw a big rain storm and a big comeback. Unlike former rounds the rain did not force a delay in the Golf. The rain was vigorous, but it didn’t come with thunder and lightning so play continued as usual. The comeback was from our winner Cheng Jin. He was the in fourth to last group, and got the title after firing a final-round 66. Jin played his best when it mattered most; it was quite impressive to see him win his second title. Ravenwood was not an easy track and we had two 66s this week. There was solid golf all over the place in Victor. 

For the first time since we have started this internship we were not in private housing. This week in Victor, we stayed in a hotel. I don’t think anyone on Team five was complaining about it. Woodcliff Hotel was fantastic and particularly awesome for me. I had a room to myself that included plenty of space and a king size bed. Host families are great, but I didn’t mind the change up this week, the accommodations this week were prime. 

The final round of this tournament fell on the Fourth of July. This meant flags on the teeing grounds, extra jazz in the starting tent, and some fun after the round. All staff did a great job wrapping things up, and we were done by 3:30. This was a new record for team five.  After we left the course we went to a Minor League Baseball game. The Rochester Red Wings were taking on the Pawtucket Red Sox in a Fourth of July showdown. I was excited because I got to see my Sox Triple A team, but all of us had a good time at the ball park. Following the game there was a firework show, because apparently an Independence Day isn’t complete without some fireworks. 

Overall the week at Ravenwood was great. We were efficient and we had some fun. It was my first time in that area of New York, and Ravenwood Golf Club was a real solid course. In a month the area will be occupied by the PGA Championship. The major championship will be at a different course, but same region. Highlights of the week included watching a big bird hunt (and succeed) for his breakfast while taking pictures, and getting out early and heading to a ball game on the fourth. Tomorrow we head up to Lancaster, Pa., for the Rolex Tournament of Champions. This is the big one, should be fun.

OB: 

Thanks for the memories Paul. I know it was the right move for the Celtics to blow things up and start over. That being said I am pretty said that Paul Pierce will not always be a Celtic. Pierce is my favorite Celtic of all time, and it won’t be the same without him. I was really hoping he was going to play his whole career in green. The NBA is a business and it doesn’t always work out like everyone hopes. I still remember one of the first games I ever went to Pierce hit a bank three against the Pacers to win the game on my birthday. I will never forget him out-dueling Lebron in the east-semis in ’08, and of course I will never forget #34 being the best player in the series that raised banner #17 at the TD Garden. He always wanted to take the big shot, and he usually made it. It will be very tough to watch Paul in a different uniform. I wish him the best next year unless Brooklyn is playing the Cs. Thanks for the memories Paul, and I look forward to being at the Garden in a few years to see #34 get raised up near banner #17. 

While taking pictures on No. 14 this bird got some breakfast