| Opening Day at the Bob Hope Classic |
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 By Palm Springs Guides Golf Guide Phillip MooreAs I walked toward the course, I met two spectators in football jerseys, who were hoping to get autographs from Bo Jackson and Sterling Sharpe. Another young lady said she was hoping to get an autograph from Dr. Phil. The Bob Hope Classic is unlike any other PGA Tour event you’ll attend. The friendly and very relaxed atmosphere is contagious. Everyone always seems to be in a great mood. During the first four rounds, each professional plays with a different team of three amateurs. Many of the pros seem to enjoy the opportunity to joke and banter with both their amateur playing partners and the gallery. As I walked past the driving range, I noticed all-star football and baseball player Bo Jackson hitting balls next to Olympic Gold Medalist Bruce Jenner. I can’t believe it has been 34 years since Jenner won his Decathlon Gold metal — he looks great! Behind Jenner, two-time U.S. Open Champion Lee Janzen was warming-up while laughing with a reporter. He has had a rough couple of years, and I wished him well. Further down the line, PGA Tour rookie sensation Rickie Fowler was working hard on his game. With his long hair, painter’s cap and style of dress, Fowler and a few of the other younger players brought a whole new look to the PGA Tour. I like it. While getting a cup of coffee, I spoke with an excited gentleman who had just gotten an autograph from baseball Hall of Famer Yogi Berra. This year Berra was named the first ever “Classic Ambassador” for the Bob Hope Classic — a great choice! Berra had played in the event for the past 15 years and he was always a favorite with the gallery. There are numerous booths, selling a wide variety of golf souvenirs. The two workers at one booth were unpacking cases of Bob Hope Classic umbrellas — they said that they were expecting business to be quite good this year. I think they’re right. I walked to the 10th tee and noticed the three Bob Hope Classic girls all huddled together. They were all smiles in their short-skirted blue-and-purple outfits, but they appeared to be freezing — I don’t remember it ever being this cold at the Classic. At 8:30 a.m., the official starter introduced Berra to the crowd and, with cameras flashing, the 84-year-old Berra popped a short ceremonial drive down the fairway. The crowd roared and the 2010 Bob Hope Classic was under way. I noticed that Fowler was going to tee-off at 8:57 a.m., so I decided to follow him for a few holes. He hooked his first drive into the water and made a bogie. Unfazed, he walked to the second tee and blasted a long 3-wood straight down the center of the fairway. I’m impressed by his air of confidence, and I think we’ll be hearing a lot from him during the next 30 years. As I walked back the10th tee, Alice Cooper waved “good morning” as he drove by in his golf cart. He’s an excellent golfer, and he’s great at interacting with the gallery. He plays in the tournament every year, and I’m sure one year it’ll be his turn to be the “Classic Ambassador.” Moments later, I heard the starter announce, “Next on the tee Don Felder — former member of the Eagles and writer of the song ‘Hotel California’.” The crowed roared with applause. Felder held up his hand and said, “Please hold your applause until you see me swing.” Then he sliced his drive right into the water! He laughed at himself and received an even louder round of applause. By this time, the practice tee was really buzzing with activity. I noticed Dr. Phil was warming up next to his comedian-playing partner Ron Hall. After a string of poor shots, Hall turned to those watching him and said, “I’d do much better if you’d STOP STARING AT ME!” Everyone laughed. I bumped into the gentlemen with the football jerseys and they proudly showed me their autographs — Bo Jackson signed the Raiders jersey and Sterling Sharpe signed the Packers jersey. Then another gentleman walked by in a Dallas Cowboys jersey and said he had gotten an autograph from Emmitt Smith! I only had time to visit one other course, so I hopped on one of the numerous free shuttle buses and traveled the short distance the Palmer Private at PGA WEST. There I walked nine holes with the former number one player in the world, David Duval. Duval is still struggling with his game and shot a disappointing 74, as did Fowler. They’ll both need to work hard to make the cut. I don’t think I’ve ever spent a day at the Bob Hope Classic that I didn’t thoroughly enjoy. I’ll be out there every day this week, rain or shine. The tournament continues through Sunday. For an enjoyable day, just take Highway 111 to Jefferson Street and go south toward La Quinta. As soon as you pass Avenue 52, just follow the signs. The ticket price for the entire day is only $25, and you’ll be supporting a great cause. Since1960, the tournament has donated more than $47 million to the Eisenhower Medical Center and a wide variety of local charities. I’ll look forward to seeing you out there. For more about the Bob Hope Classic, click here.  Palm Springs Guides Golf Guide Phil Moore can be reached through his Web site, MadScienceGolf.com. His book, "The Mad Science of Golf," is currently available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and through his Web site. To contact Phil, click here.
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