Anyone who’s dabbled in the sport of golf has had one of those days.
You know, one of those days where it’s tempting (although not advised) to send a driver wheeling across the fairway.
One of those days where you hope there are no women or children within earshot of the course.
One of those days where staying at home or in the office might have actually been the better option.
Well, chalk one up for me.
My performance at Monday morning’s Boeing Classic Media Day at TPC Snoqualmie Ridge was one of my worst showings ever — going back to when I first picked up the clubs 14 years ago.
With the imposing dimensions of the Jack Nicklaus-designed course, I guess the 130-plus stroke performance (yes, you read correctly) wasn’t too surprising for a guy who gets out five to six times a year. But, that didn’t make the bad day any easier to swallow.
TPC Snoqualmie boasts 7,264 yards of fairway, a handful of intimidating bodies of water, significant elevation changes and 107 bunkers — many of which I visited.
Fortunately, for fellow bimonthly warriors, the course also offers a nice distraction with some of the most beautiful golf course scenery in the Pacific Northwest.
Whether watching a fearless doe and her fawn on the 11th hole, viewing Snoqualmie Falls from the 12th hole tee box, or looking out over the sprawling canyon protecting the signature 14th hole, nature is everywhere.
Normally those views are reserved for TPC Snoqualmie members, but Aug. 23-29 the general public will have its chance to soak in the scenery along with some world class golf.
The sixth annual Boeing Classic will feature some of the biggest names on the Champions Tour, including many who just competed in the 2010 U.S. Senior Open at Sahalee Country Club.
Local favorite Fred Couples, U.S. Senior Open Champion Bernhard Langer, Fred Funk, Nick Price, Tom Lehman, Mark O’Meara and Tom Kite are just a handful of the big names committed to the event.
This year organizers are also doing something unique by hosting the first ever “Free Friday,” sponsored by Golf Galaxy. On the first day of tournament competition, Aug. 27, all spectators will receive free admission.
You can’t beat that.
Not to mention, this is the second time in less than a month local golf fans get a chance to get up close and personal with some of the game’s most elite competitors.
And for some of us, let’s face it, it might be as close as we’ll ever get to a birdie on a course as challenging as TPC Snoqualmie.
