Playing the waiting game in autograph alley

Playing the waiting game in ‘Autograph Alley’ Fans of the PGA and its players will do almost anything to get a chance to meet and greet their favorite players. by Kevin Alcox, Columbus Wired
Television can only give a fan a glimpse of what really goes on in and around a golf tournament such as the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club. Players spend all week with a trail of fans making the trek through 18 holes of golf. Some fans prefer to sit at what they consider to be the best looking, the most challenging or just the must accessible holes on the course.
Even more fans take other routes to get the full enjoyment of the tournament experience. Many bring chairs, lunch and of course…rain gear. They line-up from along the 18th green all the way to the locker room to get a chance to get an autograph from any and all PGA players. That is an experience most would wonder about. Many would ask, why go to a tournament that occurs once a year and many do not even get the opportunity to experience and not see one shot taking place. For fans to get the best chance of getting the most autographs from many fan friendly tour pros, they must establish themselves in position early and remain strong at holding their spots in a place we like to call ‘Autograph Alley” For these fans the experience is one in itself. The memories of talking to the players, getting some memorabilia, and having stories to share with all is worth every effort given to the dedication in the pursuit of an autograph or more. “Can I have your ball?” “Can I have your hat?” “Mr. Woods”….”Please???” “Can I have your putter?” These are just a few of the comments that you hear fans asking the pros for. “I get asked for anything and everything I have or have on”, said Briny Baird after finishing his final round. John Daly was so upset with his drive on #10 on Friday that he just leaned over and handed his driver to a teenage fan. Hopefully we won’t see it for sale on e-bay soon. On Sunday, fans began to show up early, at approximately 8:00 a.m. before the first players hit the front nine fans began to establish themselves outside the media area in which the players must pass after signing their cards to finish their rounds. “I come for the autographs,” said Lee Swartzlander of Columbus. He was later seen sitting on the 18th fairway waiting to see who was coming up next. So even though the fans lose the chance to see golf in action, the experience of meeting all the players is one that many fans will never have.