Photography

2010 Farmers Insurance Open – Torrey Pines

I love Torrey Pines!  In college, I camped out in the parking lot overnight a few times to secure a coveted tee time.

Since those days, my trips to Torrey have been few & far between and I was excited for the 2010 Farmers Open.

I arrived on Wednesday, Pro-Am Day, and headed out to the course after getting checked in at the media center.  The light was perfect, birds were singing and everybody was in a good mood.

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV at f/4, 1/800 sec, 420mm, 200 ISO, Manual

At this point in the tournament, “groovesgate” was still civil, there was excitement about John Daly’s return, while Tigers’ was simply accepted as matter-of-fact.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II at f/3.5, 1/60 sec, 24mm, 1000 ISO, Manual

On the first hole, my countryman, Ernie Els.  Els is playing great, currently ranked 5th in scoring average he would finish in xxxx place.

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV at f/4, 1/1000 sec, 300mm, 200 ISO, Manual

As luck would have it, Els lead me to Mickelson and his Pr0-Am group.

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV at f/4, 1/800 sec, 420mm, 200 ISO, Manual

I must confess to been impressed.

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV at f/4, 1/800 sec, 420mm, 200 ISO, Manual

Mickelson called everyone by their first names, gave tips, read off scores, talked business, helped with yardages and putts, made jokes and to say in plainly, was the perfect host.I guarantee those guys will be Phil fans for the rest of their lives, and deservedly so.

As with Els leading me to Mickelson, Mickelson led me to Rickie Fowler; last seen (by me) at the Fry.com Open.

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV at f/4, 1/500 sec, 420mm, 200 ISO, Manual

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Regarding the below, the tee for the 17th hole sits against the cliffs of Torrey Pines.  Fowler and caddy Joe Skovron had cleared the teebox of the marshalls and I had a great background complete with paragliders.

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV at f/4, 1/8000 sec, 420mm, 200 ISO, Manual

Just as Fowler started his swing, a paragliders dipped down and ended up directly behind Skovron (bummer!)

As a result, I ended up going with a cropped version.  How sick is Fowler’s position at the top of the backswing!

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV at f/4, 1/8000 sec, 420mm, 200 ISO, Manual

Here’s the next frame, also a keeper!

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV at f/4, 1/8000 sec, 420mm, 200 ISO, Manual

With the available light dwindling,  I started to make my way back to the media center but could not take my eyes off the sunset and spotted Justin Rose on the tee box of the sixth hole.

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV at f/6.3, 1/6400 sec, 420mm, 200 ISO, Manual

For those who know Torrey, I’m standing about halfway down the left side of the 18th fairway looking directly west.  Best guess, 450+ yards away…  What a great way to end the day.

Be sure to checkout my First round blog.  Here’s a sneak peak….

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV at f/4, 1/1250 sec, 135mm, 200 ISO, Manual

~ Play Well ~