My New BFF

Working for the General has many advantages; one of which is the freebies which often come our way.  Last week brought the opportunity to spend a day at the Byron Nelson Golf Tournament, a PGA event held annually in Irving, TX - literally five minutes from the office.  GE had a skybox at the 17th hole, with an excellent view of the tee box and since this was a par 3, a decent view of the green.  A hearty lunch and dinner were provided and of course, lots of cold beverages. 

Right when we came in (10am), Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els were teeing off.  We hung around until Padraig Harrington, Keegan Bradley (St. John's alum) and Rory Sabbatini went through around 4pm. The other Rory and Tiger were not in for the tournament.

One of the highlights was when Charles Howell III came by our box and chatted with us for about 45 minutes.  He had just finished his round (shooting a minus two) and was in good spirits, offering advice, signing autographs and posing for pictures,  He is the one in green, I am the giddy schoolgirl. 

Only after he left did we pull up his Wikipedia page and discover that the affable Chas has made over $22 million playing golf in his twelve year career.  Not a bad haul for one of the lesser known golfers.  And his demeanour certainly bore no resemblance to the pouty, humorless Mr T. Woods.

As we left, I was within talking distance of Keegan Bradley but chickened out.  As he makes his way to $22MM, he does not need to hear from some old fart who also went to SJU.

This was the view from our box. I know, a bad photo but blame the Blackberry...

The tournament ended today.  Howell finished tied for 41st and out of the money.  Keegan was tied for 24th and made $54K.  Not bad for four days "work".