Golf fans can get up close, personal at U.S. Senior Open
People who watch golf tournaments have a different experience than fans at other major sporting events.
Fans at the U.S. Senior Open probably won’t miss an important shot because they are in line to buy a hot dog or a beer. At golf tournaments, concessions are on the course, so fans can watch as they wait.
Golf fans don’t have to awkwardly maneuver through others to get to a seat. Most golf fans don’t stay in one spot; they like to follow their favorite golfer as he works his way around the course.
And golf fans don’t pay for overpriced courtside tickets. For less than $50, they can be close enough to watch the sweat pouring down a golfer’s brow as he evaluates how to approach a putt and hear him talk strategy with his caddie.
FAN FOLLOWING
During the first two rounds, Sacramento’s Kevin Sutherland has had one the largest followings.
Colin Montgomerie, the 2014 U.S. Senior Open champion, and Bernhard Langer, who won the Senior Open in 2010, also have proved to be quite the popular draw.
“Who knows, maybe all the Brits and Germans in the area are following them around,” Ray Costa, a marshal volunteer on the 18th hole, said.
Unsurprisingly, Tom Watson, who shot a 66 in Thursday’s opening round, also had a huge following.
IT’S ALL RELATIVE
With the temperature surpassing 100 degrees again Friday, golfers again had to play through the heat.
Said Montgomerie: “It was just warmer yesterday afternoon than it will be today. It’s only 100-and-something today. It was 200-and-something yesterday.”
The forecast calls for the temperature to cool 10 degrees for Saturday’s third round.
FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED
Many fans arrived at Del Paso Country Club early to grab seats in the shade.
At 10 a.m., the grandstands were mostly empty, except on the 10th hole between a grove of trees.
It was packed early, with spectators needing help from volunteer marshals to find seats.
“With this heat, (I’m) going to stay here for a while. It’ll probably be hot later on, but (I) won’t be here by then,” said Guy Fashano, who arrived at the 10th hole grandstand at 9 a.m.
WATERING HOLE
Water has been a hot commodity because of the heat, but it’s not the only reason people have been lining up at the concessions.
Chris Hullihen, a tent manager at a concession near the 10th hole, said his concession went through four kegs of Budweiser during Thursday’s first round.
Beer and water have been the most requested items, Hullihen said.
Lemonade stands also have been a hit with fans trying to stay hydrated. Jordan Dreyer, who sells lemonade near the 10th hole, said she went through two 10-gallon coolers of lemonade on the first day.
“(I) made $12 at the end of the day from people just telling us to keep their change,” Dreyer said.
Jose Olivar
This story was originally published June 26, 2015 at 5:32 PM with the headline "Golf fans can get up close, personal at U.S. Senior Open."