Wednesday--91st PGA Championship

Today's play will be difficult to put into words. When we got to the course I had the feeling that something would change the plans for Mickelson to play with Ryan and Fred. Phil was eating breakfast when we were, so we at least knew he was there. It was a little after 8, and the crowds were already large. When Phil walked out of the dining room he walked towards the scoreboard, but instead of going left to the putting green, he went straight and was walking through the crowd. It was priceless to watch people look at him, but not register who he was. It was like they were frozen. Phil just kept walking until we couldn't see him, but he was just walking through the crowd. When we got to the driving range, Fred was already there warming up. After a little while, Phil came to the driving range, and the stands started cheering. At that point I thought 'O'Boy' this is going to be interesting if this really happens. About 9:45, Fred walked by and told Ryan that "Bones" (Mikelson's Caddy) was heading to the tee to get a spot, so Ryan should join them shortly. At that point, we knew it was a go for sure. We were all on the tee, but Phil was down on the short game area, so Freddy called someone that was with him and said we were ready to go. When Mickelson showed up on the tee, there must have been at least a dozen photographers following and the gallery was 4 to 5 people deep. I had told Vicki that I would try to set Ryan's bag next to Freddy's and Phil's so she could get a picture of them together. When we got to the first green, I knew that plan wasn't going to work. She couldn't get close, if I could have seen her. Walking along with Phil was Butch Harmon, his swing coach, and Dave Peltz who helps with his short game. Dustin Johnson was the fourth player in the group. Brad said he is probably the longest hitter in the world. He is apparently trying to make the Presidents Cup team this year and Fred Couples is the Captain. At this point I need to say that Ryan only played 9 holes with them. He needed to do some work on the driving range and on the short game area as well as putting. If he played all 18, that wouldn't have happened. The other 3 were going to play all 18, so after 9, Ryan thanked them for letting him play, good luck was passed around and we went to the clubhouse. Brad commented to me that the decision to only play 9 showed Ryan's commitment to sticking with his plan when it would have been easy to keep playing. During the 9 holes, it was interesting to listen to the talk between Phil and Fred. It could have been 2 guys playing a weekend game of golf. At one point, Butch Harmon commented that the crowds were like a Sunday afternoon. Walking down the fairways, they were always yelling at Phil and Fred, but mostly Phil. Both Brad and I felt that Fred really treated Ryan like he was a friend. He was more open with Ryan this year compared to last. Phil talked to Ryan several times as they were walking down the fairways. After the round Ryan had a good practice session. He is ready for tomorrow. With an afternoon start, we probably won't leave until a little before 10. It will be a hard day for Brad, because he will have to watch outside the ropes. Fred Couples was impressed with the players Ryan will play with. Ryan tees off of #1 and Friday off #10 tee. It will be important to start strong by making good shots and putts to get the confidence for a good round. I'm anxious to put on the bib with "BENZEL" on the back. It is always a proud time for a father.

Bruce from the CaddyShack