Bits & Pieces

By Kim J. Harmon

 

One of the best sporting events in the state – the Greater Hartford Open – is less than two weeks away and if you can make plans to head up to Cromwell, then you simply must do so.

Now, I always have a hard time watching golf on television. At times, it seems more boring than watching paint dry.

But watching it live is a hoot and the GHO is always great fun – especially on Wednesdays, which is Pro-Am day.

It is one thing to watch a pro blast a 300-yard shot off the tee and then knock his approach shot within six feet of the flag, and it is quite another to watch an amateur – a celebrity, maybe, but still an amateur – knock a couple into the water.

I have been to the GHO the past few years and always have fun at the Pro-Am. And in that time I have learned some things.

Like –

Jim Calhoun is a good golfer.

And Chris Berman is not (although he is fun to follow around).

I have also learned that somehow, even with 100,000 people on the course, you can always run into someone you know.

Maybe even a relative.

Last year, we were standing by the ninth tee and here comes my cousin (who was supposed to be at work, it turns out). And then, up on the hill behind the 16th green, I sit somewhere in a sea of about 5,000 people and all of a sudden I hear, “Hey – Kim!” and turn to find my uncle about 20 feet away.

Weird.

The best thing I learned, though, is that a golf tournament is always better live.

So, head up to Cromwell (July 21-July 27) for the GHO.

Remember, with the problems the tournament committee has had trying to find a title sponsor, this may be one of the last opportunities you will have to walk the TPC at River Highlands.

Don’t miss out on it.

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Yeah, it would be a shame if the Greater Hartford Open lost its spot on the PGA Tour. The tournament supports the Greater Hartford Jaycees and has raised tons of money to benefit scores of agencies and programs in Connecticut.

The GHO is one of the most popular tournaments on the Tour (more than 100,000 people attend every year – so how many would some if Tiger Woods was playing?). Let’s hope that director Dan Baker – formerly of Newtown – is able to secure a title sponsor.

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I would love to play the TPC at River Highlands.

There are lots of good holes, but it would be specially fun to play the 15th, 16th and 17th.

Not that I would any of those holes particularly well. In fact, I could imagine getting a double bogey on the 15th (a real short par 4 with fast and brutal green) and double bogey on the 16th (knowing my game, I will put one in the water) and probably a triple bogey on the 17th (a tee shot in the water and then an approach shot in the water, at least).

That’s right – I have confidence in my game.