This past saturday we thought that we'd head out to Golden Ocala Golf Club and take in the Hooters Tour. For the novice, this is the beginning of the start of a Pro career for aspiring gophers who would like to improve enough to get to the Nationwide and eventually the PGA Tours. The event was free. Free parking and free admission. We set ourselves down on the 9th hole and watched as these mostly young men, a few older pros, and a few former PGA members vie for the Championship. What a refreshing experience. These gollphers do not have caddies. They may have a few family members who walk the course with them. No TV announcers, just pure, innocent golph as they all want to win the prize, which in this case was 30,000.00 dollars. Saws some great shots and some shots that you and I could make, in other words, not too good at all.
Had the occasion to speak with 2 of the "boys" who had finished and were enjoying a box lunch at the outside of the clubhouse. Asked if the Tour bought their lunches, and the answer was no that a volunteer had purchased them their box lunch. Asked them if they got reinbursed for their mileage and the answer was no. Asked if they were reimbursed for their motel, and the answer was no. Most of them do not have any sponsorship, so they foot the entire bill. However, they had one thing that really impressed us. When they made a good shot, and we applauded them, they made it a point to come bye us and to thank us for coming out to watch the game. Nothing to gain by them for taking the time to acknowledge the 2 of us. However, it did make one feel good to see how sports used to be. No millionaire BS from these young men. Honest efforts to get ahead in a game that can be extremely punishing to them.
If you all want to see some good entertainment and some aspiring young people make it, take in a Hooters Tour event. I know we will be back.