It's PGA Championship Week in Minnesota!

Posted Aug 10 2009, 09:58 AM by Cathy Erickson
When I talked to my brother this morning he said that Tiger Woods has already practiced at Hazeltine this morning - flew in from OH last night and was on the tee at 6:45am today.  The PGA Championship has officially started!  Up until this morning I didn't think I would be heading down to the Championship, but I was lucky enough to get some tickets by entering a contest online (Thank you Ryan & Waggle Room!).
 
So now it looks like I'm going to head down for 2 days...YAY!!

I have to admit I haven't been following all that much of the PGA stories because I didn't think I would be going, so I spent a few minutes reading some articles on the Minneapolis Star Tribune website this morning.  The first one I read...Matt Kuchar is now in the field!!!  WOO HOO!  Welcome to Minnesota, Matt.
 
I was also thrilled to hear that the PGA of America extended a special exemption to Minnesota's own Tom Lehman.  Yes, I know he lives in AZ now, but he's always going to be a Minnesota boy to us.  He was at Hazeltine on Sunday signing autographs and then he will be back Wednesday to practice.  Maybe Tom Watson can be an inspiration to "our Tom".  Go Lehman!
 
As many of you may know, there are long standing Minnesota-Wisconsin rivalries in just about every major sport.  It's not popular to be a WI fan living in MN, but I think I will get a pass to root for Steve Stricker this week!!!  And Wisconsin native Jerry Kelly is pulling out the olive branch and asking all Big Ten fans to set aside Minnesota loyalty and cheer him on this week, too.  I'm there for you, Jerry!
 
And it seems like Mother Nature has been saving all the good weather for this week, too!  We've had a less than stellar summer weather-wise, and looking at the forecast today, it looks like sunny and 80's during the week and scattered showers this weekend (which we know can change any time!).  This is great news!!
 
I was lucky enough to have spent 2 days at the 2002 PGA when it was at Hazeltine and I'm remembering scouring the golf course to see if I could get a few pictures of Greg Norman on the Wednesday practice round (I did!).  Norman won't be in Minnesota this week, but you know Kenny Perry, Davis Love, Matt Kuchar and Steve Stricker will be on my photo-op wish list!   I remember my brother and I spent 8 hours in a grandstand without moving because we didn't want to lose our prime seats.  It was one of my favorite days on the golf course (not playing).
 
Tiger will be on the hunt for a major this week and I think the fans are going to be in for a great display of golf - I read that 100 of the top 101 players in the world will be at Hazeltine this week...talk about an A-list group!
 
For all of the fantasy golf players out there, this is going to be a tough week to pick!  I think at the beginning of the year I predicted that Anthony Kim was going to win this week - but I wouldn't be surprised if Tiger is hoisting the Wannamaker Trophy on Sunday.  But maybe Minnesota is ready to offer another great Rich Beem-like story this week...anything can happen!
 
I must also admit I can't wait to get to the merchandise tent!  And it's a good thing I'm only going to be there for 2 days...my credit card is still recovering from the US Women's Open last year.  If anyone wants me to pick up something, let me know!
 
In Minnesota, we love golf.  Not only are we welcoming the players, but the fans as well...I hope everyone that is making their way to the PGA week has a great time!!  See you there!!
 
Filed under: Minnesota, Davis Love III, Fans, Kenny Perry, Steve Stricker, PGA Championship, Hazeltine, TIger Woods, Rich Beem, Anthony Kim