The PGA Championship

I am not golfer, and until recently I am not even much of a golf spectator.  But, as with most things, once you learn the rules and some of the players it gets more interesting.  Last year my dad purchased tickets for us to go to the PGA Championship since it was being hosted at Kiawah Island (you all know how we love the Charleston area).  What we didn't realize at the time is that the PGA gives active duty military and their spouses free admission to any and all days of the tournament, whether it is sold out or not.

Now, there are more than a few corporations who give discounts to military or allow free admission to events, theme parks, etc...  What you don't ever know is how it will be received.  Often times it is written in the fine print, and when asked for the military person is met with a scoff and is slightly embarassed, like they are looking for a handout.  Please don't get me wrong, this is not always the case, but it is the case often enough that we always take pause before using a "military discount."
We should not have feared or doubted the class with which the PGA would handle this.  When we arrived (and were headed to will call) we were met by a man who asked Robert if he was in the military (if you haven't noticed Robert kind of looks the part), shook his hand, thanked him profusely and guided us to where we received our tickets and a PGA hat.  It was made known to all in attendance that the men and women with green PGA hats were active duty military members, so on multiple occassions Robert had perfect strangers thank him for his service.  While that can be a little uncomfortable some times, it was done with sincere thanks, and it was neat to see.
In addition to military personnel getting in free, so did children 17 and under, up to 4 per adult ticket.  No one ever does that.  It was truly a familly environment, and I felt they were honestly trying to provide a great experience for people of varying socioeconomic standing to come and enjoy a great game of golf (yes, we took Collin the first day.  He was much more impressed with Tiger Woods on the iphone game than he was Tiger Woods in real life).
Needless to say we thoroughly enjoyed the tournament. 

It's a very different experience than many other professional sporting events.  The players are right there, and it was neat to see some of the "greats."  It was a good education in golf and attending golf tournaments.
I learned the following:
- If you want anything from the gift shop, go first thing on the first day.  I have never seen signs of such a thriving economy as I did there.
- If you want pictures (of anything) or autographs of the players go to the practice rounds.
- There really is no need to go to the tournament 3 days in a row.  A day off in the middle makes everyone ready to tackle the last day, and enjoy it.
- Set your chairs up early, in a good spot (say, hole 17), then go walk the course.  Once you return (yes, your chairs will still be there undisturbed) you can sit and enjoy the rest of the tournament, and see everyone who is playing, and be there for whatever wonderful end occurs (the players walked on that dirt path).

So, my hat's off to the PGA and Kiawah for hosting such a wonderful event.  And of course, congratulations to Rory McIlroy on an incredible, record breaking win.  I think I might actually enjoy watching golf now.