I spent the first few minutes inside the Mastercard tent just observing the golf community from this new point of view. Pros were practicing outside, fans were relaxing inside. There were groups of men, couples, and families. It was not overly crowded inside, partly because some people outside were like me and did not know they had the credentials to enter. It was a joy to witness the game of golf bring together such a diverse group of people from all different ages, cultures, and walks of life. I decided I was in no hurry to depart the event from the Mastercard tent, so I stood in line to get a drink at the bar. Just then, another group of people walked into the tent… but this group seemed to draw the attention of everyone inside, including me.
One of the men was holding a large, shoulder-mounted camera while another was clearing some of the foot traffic just in front of the bar. Behind them, as cool as the other side of the pillow, enter two of the most famous golfers of the 20th century in Mr. Curtis Strange and Mr. Mark O’Meara. Both of these golf legends have around 30 wins on tour. Both have won two major championships. Both are in the World Golf Hall of Fame. But right then, both were standing within arm’s reach of me. I played it cool on the outside, but the golfer in me was star-struck.
An announcement was made that Strange and O’Meara were going to conduct an informal interview with those of us inside the Mastercard tent. Two barstools were set up for the two legends of the game and we all gathered around like schoolkids around a campfire to chat with and listen to what these guys had to say. Strange even added that he would treat everyone to a round of drinks, even turning to the bartender saying “I’m serious.” After a nice round of applause, half of the men in the room ran to the bar for their free drink, which shrank the crowd for those of us who stayed for the informal interview. The conversation was pleasant, entertaining, and warm. Strange and O’Meara could not have been nicer.
After the interview, I returned to the line at the bar. I ordered a classic Arnold Palmer (in light of the event host) and went to pay for it until the bartender reminded me that the drink was “on-the-house on behalf on Mr. Strange.” So there I was, sipping on an Arnold Palmer, at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, standing in line to take a picture with golf greats Curtis Strange and Mark O’Meara. I kept the Arnold Palmer bottle that the drink came in and it is still, far and away, my favorite drink to order at any restaurant.
Protected: My Luckiest Day, Part 8: Heather & John
Fatherhood and Marriage 