2006 Sony Open

Unlike previous years, this year I had the opportunity to attend the 2006 Sony Open Pro-AM tournament.

Like many PGA Pro-AMs there were many celebrities and politicians in the field. The always entertaining Wil Smith was on hand with an afternoon tee time, along with a huge gallery following his every step. Happy Gilmore’s Adam Sandler and King of Queens star Kevin James were part of the same foursome, which included many duffs and slices but also a story-worthy bank-shot off the tournament scorecard by Adam Sandler.

On a par 4 on the back-nine, Adam Sandler over-cut his tee shot into the right rough behind a bunch of trees on lining the right and a tournament scoreboard on the left. Playing partner Kevin James came over to access the situation and offered his advise: “Nice shot. Looks like you gotta play it backwards.” Adam being Adam he decided on the more adventerous route to the green, about 180 yards away, was in better order. Like the McDonald’s commercials with Michael Jordan and Larry Bird, Adam called his shot. Off the scoreboard and chase is up to the green, five feet from the pin. The crowd laughed and Adam played to the crowd. Lining up the shot as the professionals would, Adam took many practice swings with multiple grunts and disgusted sighs escaping his throat. Finally he was ready and everyone took cover.

“Whack”

“Crack”

Either Mr. Sandler is a ringer or sheer luck, but the ball came out fairly clean, knicked the side of the scoreboard and hit the fairway rolling. It kept on rolling as if the louder we aplauded the closer to the green it wanted to roll. Just creeping over the front of the green Adam left himself a 10 foot putt … which he missed.

What the F?

You are only an alcoholic if you go to the meetings … otherwise you’re just a drunk.