I called this post “Part 1” because I plan on doing a few updates today. But I’d rather spend my time on the course seeing the action and taking photos, than sit here in the press room looking at the backs of golf writers’ heads. With that in mind I won’t be in the press room for extended periods of time writing for hours. I’ll do that later. Time to gather content.
Tournament Status
Even though it is Saturday and the action has been going today for a few hours, the first round hasn’t been completed. In fact, some players haven’t even started their first round.
Above: Rocco Mediate chips close on the par-5 5th hole, en route to birdie.
Rain
By 2pm on the first day of play Thursday over six inches of rain had rendered the course uplayable. There are unconfirmed reports that there’s been over 14 inches of rain this week. Just to put that in perspective, the YEARLY rain fall for my home state of Utah is just over 15 inches.
The play I did watch yesterday was greatly affected by the standing water. I saw players’ drives hit the fairway and bounce backwards. They’re playing preferred lies due to the massive amount of water in the ground.
Notables
Skip Kendall is in the house, leading after his first round with a -7 65. There are a handful players sitting at -5. John Daly is in the field. His first round is done and he’s at -3. (Pictured right: Steve Flesch ponders his last shot from a greenside bunker.)
My Status
I have a terrible cold and cough. I feel like I’m going to hack out a lung soon. I went roughly two days without sleep and nearly 24 hours without food, getting here and doing the gig yesterday (Friday). Then I had a few too many adult beverages at the cocktail party. I was weak from being so tired and having not eaten. I woke up at 4:30am with a massive headache. I was obviously dehydrated this morning because I chugged about a gallon of water and “cramberry” (local spelling) juice. I’m good now though. I’m uploading about 90 photos from yesterday to the HOG Puerto Rico Open Gallery right now and then I’m off to hit the course.
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