Bluefield Daily Telegraph, Bluefield, WV

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  • Landmark moment... Jim Justice, owner of the Greenbrier Resort, hit the ceremonial first shot on the Old White Coarse to kick off the opening off the Greenbrier Classic. Barbero Photo Contributed photo by F. Brian Ferguson/The Register-Herald

    Landmark moment...

Discussion

July 30, 2010

Classic is fan-friendly event

By JIM WORKMAN for the Daily Telegraph

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS — With three days left to go, The Greenbrier Classic is already stacking up to be a fan favorite.

Bob Baumgardner and his wife Margie of Glen Dale have been to PGA events before.

“We went to the PGA Championship three years ago in Michigan,” he said. “It’s not even close. It’s mind-boggling. It’s unreal. There’s no question that it will be the top tournament that they’ll have on the PGA.”

“It’s been as organized as I’ve ever seen,” Bob Baumgardner added. “We couldn’t believe how good the (Reba) concert was. They were very organized getting us on the buses. It’s been amazing. Totally amazing.”

The Baumgardners are particularly proud to reside in the home state of the tournament, albeit 269 miles and almost five hours’ drive to their home in the Northern Panhandle.

“We’re from West Virginia, so we think it’s one of the greatest things to ever happen to the state,” Bob Baumgardner added.

David Powell brought his family and a few friends to the event this week. He’s commuting from his home in Scott Depot.

“This is an amazing place,” he said. “We had been to other tournaments, so we kind of knew what to expect. But this even exceeded our expectations. We came Tuesday and all of the players were very accessible. This is great for West Virginia.”

“We don’t really have pro sports in West Virginia, so I think it’s pretty nice that we have this to come out to,” said Brad Billups, a 14-year-old student from Winfield. “This will give us something to do every summer. It’s something that I’ll look forward to.”

“I’ve been to the President’s Cup and I’ve been to The Memorial, in Ohio — this is equal or better,” said Richard Jarrell of Beckley. “It has all of the bells and whistles. The local people here are so excited to have it. That’s what is making it fun.”

Even the fans who have never been to a major sporting event were singing the tournament’s praises.

“It’s a first class event,” said Jason Rogers of Richwood. “I’m enjoyed watching John Daly.”

°°°

Fans are getting a chance to show off their skills this week.

The First Tee of West Virginia is hosting the Odyssey Fan Experience, located in the Alumni Tent and Benefactor Tent area between the 17th and 12th fairways.

For a $5 donation, a fan will receive three chances to make one of three putts from about 10 feet away to win a $150 Callaway gift card. There will be a daily drawing.

For a $20 donation, fans will get a chance to make one of five putts for a drawing to win a set of Callaway X24 irons.

Several fans were taking their cuts during play Thursday.

“All of the proceeds will benefit The First Tee of West Virginia and the West Virginia Golf Association,” said Mike Mays, director of The First Tee of West Virginia.

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