Last week, my family and I attended the Farmers Insurance Open held at Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla. If you are a regular reader of my blog, you know that my husband is an avid golfer and fan of the sport. He was able to acquire two season passes this year, so we attended the Zurich Pro-Am, which was last Wednesday. Pictures were only allowed to be taken during the first three days of the event, so we were very lucky to go on Wednesday. Not only did we get some fantastic pictures, but we also were able to get autographs and get up close and personal with some of the players.
My husband and I have been to the Farmers Insurance Open before, but without our son because he was too young at the time. Now that he’s nearly four, we thought it was the perfect time to take him. Dominic did such an amazing job at listening and being quiet when the time called for it. He said that he had an “awesome time”, which leads me to believe that he not only truly understands the game of golf, but actually loves it. We walked around for only about four hours because we could tell that Dominic needed a nap. Being on such a great course got Deon itching to play, so he dropped us off and hit the links for a quick game. He must have been inspired by the day because he golfed for three eagles in a row in the first three holes, and had the best score he’s had in nine holes (-5). I guess it just takes being surrounded by greatness to light a fire in him and bring out the best in his game!
One of the best moments to come out of this event was when Deon went to get Hunter Mahan’s autograph. Deon was able to catch him before he moved onto the next hole, and here is the conversation that took place:
Deon: “Hey Hunter, can I get your autograph for my boy?”
Hunter: “Where’s the boy?” (Looking around, and not seeing any small child near by.)
Deon: “Uh…” (Looking behind him, not realizing that we were sitting down a few feet away.):
A voice from the distance: “It’s for his inner boy!” (Laughing from the small crowd around us.)
Deon: “Here he is!” (Me, running with Dominic after hearing the initial exchange.)
Hunter: “Why doesn’t he ask me himself?”
Deon: “He’s shy…”
Everyone around then laughed and Hunter happily signed the autograph. See, the pros are just regular guys, ready to give a good ribbing, but only if you’re ready to take it, and my husband certainly was!
Dominic checking out the pairings guide for who was going to tee up next.
Watching Bo Van Pelt.
We needed to chill after all that walking!
My husband was responsible for getting the really great shots of the players in action.
Rickie Fowler
Dustin Johnson
Jeff Overton
Tiger Woods
Aaron Baddeley
Hunter Mahan
Torrey Pines South Course, 18th Hole
Brandt Snedeker & Trevor Hoffman
Deon and Dominic getting Brandt Snedeker’s autograph
Getting Trevor Hoffman’s autograph (yes, formerly of the San Diego Padres!)
Deon & Trevor
Rickie Fowler, up close & personal!
Dominic and his signed Rickie Fowler hat
Autographs: Rickie Fowler, Brandt Snedeker, Trevor Hoffman, Hunter Mahan
(Pictures 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13 by Deon Chen)
