U.S. SENIOR OPEN 2008

Originally Published on August 11, 2008 by ranchomurieta.com

Diaries written by: Don Thames

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Preparing for the U.S. Senior Open:

​​The Broadmoor Golf Club in Colorado Springs, Colorado

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Tuesday, July 01, 2008;

Playing with Ben Crenshaw was a thrill. He is one of the nicest guys I have ever been paired with. He told me many times, "Good swing, nice rhythm, good shot." We talked all day. He told me about his Masters victories and what Harvey Penick meant to him. He told me that he feels blessed to have had three main interests in life: golf, architecture and history and that he has been able to match these interests with his career paths. He also talked about his family and Austin, Texas, and was interested in my family. He really liked Carole and my daughter Katie.

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By contrast, Bobby Wadkins was a bit standoffish. I introduced myself to them both in the locker room while tripping on the tablecloth and nearly lunging forward into their sandwiches. Immediately after the awkward introduction, Wadkins told me, "We'll see you out there" -- his way of saying "Get lost, son." Ben more than made up for him, though.

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I was super nervous on the first tee, as we had a large gallery and stands full of people on all sides. I managed not to take a divot or hit anybody and drove a thin straight one right up the gut. I was still shaky over the seven iron that I stuffed to four feet.

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After I wobbled in the putt for birdie, Wadkins said, "You're taking this practice round way too serious." All of the players and spectators laughed, and my nervousness never returned. The rest of the round was pure golf nirvana. It was the single most enjoyable round of golf in my life. It was also a great ball-striking day, especially the driver, which leads into the main story on Wednesday.

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Unbeknownst to me, Crenshaw and Bell went over to an equipment trailer to get a new club. While there, they were mentioning my name and telling the equipment rep that I was driving the ball really long. The rep asked if I was a big guy. "No, he's about our size," they replied. "Well, then, I guarantee his club is illegal," the rep said. At that, Crenshaw and Bell went silent.

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