After taking in the pong of rackets at the Family Circle Cup on Tuesday, I switched gears Wednesday for the thwap of clubs at the ballyhooed Verizon Heritage.
First let me say, the pollen is something else at Sea Pines. I've been sniffing and sneezing at least three times a minute.
But I'd take that any day over sand gnats, plus there's some good golf to played this weekend.
Wednesday was pro-am day/practice round for the competitors. It's a little funny to watch the amateurs follow up the fluid, powerful swings of pros like Ernie Els and Jim Furyk -- not that I could do any better.
As you can tell from today's article, my focus was on Davis Love III, a five-time winner at Harbour Town and a sleeper/favorite at this year's event (oh, and he's a fellow Tar Heel!).
With his boyish looks and innocent demeanor, it probably easy for some to forget this guy's success on the tour. But a win this weekend would give him 20 on the Tour, meaning he'd have a lifetime exemption to majors. And if Wednesday was any indication (yeah, I know, it was just the pro-am), this could happen.
DL3 looked impressive with the driver and putter Wednesday, as did 16-year-old Blake Mitchell, who joined the group alongside his grandfather.
Mitchell fit right in, placing several nice shots on the green of the beautiful par 3s and sinking some long putts, good for a 3-over finish.
His grandfather wasn't so fortunate, and almost knocked me in the head with one wide shot on the 15th hole.
I couldn't help but laugh when he strolled toward the ball with a can of beer in hand. I'll never understand how people can golf while drinking a beverage that takes away much of what is needed to succeed on the links -- concentration.
Likewise, it's also interesting to me how golf is the sport that demands the most silence from its fans, but also features so many drinkers in its crowd. It's like bringing a baby to the library -- the potential is there for a disturbance, but I guess they make it work.
Other observations from the Heritage:
-Not that I've been to many golf courses in my life -- let alone PGA courses -- but I think I'm safe in saying Harbour Town has some of the best scenery surrounding its course. Especially on the 18th, with the small waves bouncing against the shore and the sun beaming down on the fairway.
-I've tabbed having a house on a place like Sea Pines or Fripp Island as an indication that I've "made it" in life....these resorts are NICE.
-If you make it out here this weekend, expect a zoo, bring your sunscreen and have a good time.