Myrtle Beach Classic - Round 1

I attended the MB Classic round 1 for the PM shift.  There were plenty of known names and tour 
winners mixed in with unknowns.   Johnny bucket hat Daemon, Tommy 2 gloves Gainey, 
Snedeker, Beau Hossleder, Kisner, etc.             

Beau played AM and leads with -7.   It got very windy in the PM, but there still was 1 or 2 -6 
in the PM, names I don't know.   
 
They all hit it long and very high.  Their long irons go higher and keep climbing, compared to
good single digit players.   That is how they can hold firm greens.    Most pins I saw were fairly 
accessible, not tucked.    The most tricky pin I saw was on the par 3 #9.  It was center on the 
left side.  That pin was causing fits, because the green slopes away from the tee between the 
front on the green and that pin.  Most good shots were rejected to the back fringe or rough. 
 
It looks like the players + officials have mostly Escalades as courtesy cars.  Do a Cadillac
survey on the course and get a free Cadillac hat.    Thursday ticket was $45. 
Concessions, drinks, merchandise on the course only take credit cards, no cash. 
Buses to parking were all good buses, not school buses.     Police were walking with some 
groups.  I don't know the details on that. 
 
On #13, groups I saw did not seem to drive it far down the fairway.  It looked common for a 3 wood 
to the 100 yard area.  One guy was in the right rough, waited for the green to clear and hit it 
either just short or on with a wood, since it got applause from the green.   Those in the left rough, 
hit iron to around the 150 yard area.   None while I watched hit it in the water. 
 
Greens were fast, but not too firm, from a rain on Tuesday and cloud cover. 
I felt the tournament is very well run.      I thought the players were looking at their yardage books a 
lot more than we see on TV, probably from not knowing the course well. 
Another difference from PGA Tour on TV I thought was fewer long putts made and more short putts missed. 
That could be since I watch more Sat/Sun golf on TV, where the hotter/better golfers are playing.  
 
As soon as play ended at 6:30PM, a concert started on the beach side of the clubhouse. 
It was about a 10 piece band with guitars, drums, various horns, kinda like KC + The Sunshine Band 
or Chicago.  There was supposed to be a sky dive on the beach, but I was still on the course, so I don't 
know if that happened or if it got canceled by high winds. 
 
I went to GIO's for dinner.  There were 3 offical vehicle Escalades in the parking lot.  I could identify a 
golfer inside with female and either a 2nd golfer or caddie, but not someone I recognize. 
A couple sitting near me asked if I played golf today.  I said I have been playing, but today I went to the 
tournament.  They were visiting for golf, but did not know there was a tournament.  I pointed to the golfer. 
You know the look of a pro golfer, with hat still on, with the courtesy car evidence.         
 
This will be my only MB Classic report.  I will play KN on Friday + drive home on Sat.   Then I will be ready 
to start my golf trip report.