LPGA CHAMPIONSHIP

DUPONT COUNTRY CLUB

WILMINGTON, DE

My player this week is Amy Alcott

Monday: Drove all day yesterday, 870 miles, and the trip was the way I like it, uneventful. One curious observation though, I spotted a vanity plate that read SKDMRKS. This guy is either a very aggressive driver or has a personal hygiene problem. Either way, I wouldn't want to advertise it.

 Kathryn Marshal played in today's Pro-Am Even though she's not in the tournament and I was on the bag to pick up a few extra bucks. Amy isn't coming in till Wednesday so extra time is abundant. Our group consisted of Scott Dattalo, Steve Stonephier, Andy Brough and Mike Luker, 24 handicappers all, and they did not disappoint. Scott was playing with broken ribs, suffered in a softball game, while the aftermath of Steve's swings resembled the the explosion of flying divots from the movie Caddyshack. Andy, a lefty, had a very unique talent. When using a fairway metal, he would barely hit the top of the ball causing it to spin backwards about three feet and then reverse and come back to his feet! He literally did this four times. The very wet conditions made this trick possible. Mike was just bad. This is not a knock on our group, some people actually have to work or a living. Kudos to these gentlemen  for fighting down to the last birdie. This was one of the more pleasurable groups I've had.

Speaking of course conditions, it's been raining hear for the last 2 weeks and the fairways are mush. They didn't cut them this morning for fear of making ruts from the mowers. The greens are a different story. They are in extremely poor condition. Word is, from one of the members, that at the end of last year the maintenance crew found out they were to be replaced and decided on a little pay-back. They over fertilized the greens and burned them out. Needless to say, the players will be very disappointed with their playability

Had my first Quarter-Pounder and fries of the week and it was just as I remembered it. Looks like a hot week coming up and I may have to eat a little lighter, or maybe not. It's hard to pass up free food.

Tuesday: Walked the course then went window-shopping for XM Satellite Radio. I returned later for a rules meeting conducted by the  LPGA officials. We covered the new slow play rule and was very informative. Wish all of you who have concerns about this rule could have been there. It seems the new rule, along with eleven minute intervals, is speeding up play considerably. Corning was a prime example. The average time per round improved by 35-40 minutes compared to last year.

A caddy meeting ensued and a few new rules were brought to our attention, no Q & A allowed, along with a change in our charity donations. We will no longer give to tournament charities but establish a "caddy health fund" in case someone misses work due to illness or injury. I don't agree with that distribution of funds and will not be donating. 

Wednesday: Amy pulled up in a red Mustang at 3:30 and to the practice range we went. A bucket or so of balls, some pitches, a few chips and putts and we were done.

Picked up a Roady XM Radio earlier in the day, a birthday gift to myself, and met Kathryn for dinner after practice. Her birthday was yesterday so we celebrated at Macaroni Grill with dinner and a few cocktails. Told a few LPGA stories then called it a night.

Thursday: Even though Amy hasn't played tournament golf since The Office Depot in L. A., she shot a respectable +2 today. We had it even to one under most of the day but a few bad swings cost her coming in. Maybe better tomorrow.

What a transformation this course has gone through since Monday. The fairways are running out, the greens have firmed up and are putting better than I predicted they would.

Amy has designed a course for the Agua Calientie Casino in the Palm Springs area called Indian Canyon Resort. It will be open in the Fall.

Know what  Amy's name was before it was changed to Alcott? Will tell you tomorrow.

The estate of Katherine Hepburn is up for auction at Sotheby's and Amy has her eye on a few items. I'll let you know if she has the winning bids.