2022 PGA Championship - What a Week!
After months of working to get myself media credentials the week finally came and the PGA Championship was nothing less than spectacular. In the days leading up to the event I received numerous emails with all the information needed for shuttle timing, course information, instructions how and where to walk the course with the players and lots of other much needed pieces of information. As day one approached I had all my gear cleaned up and ready, bags packed and everything I needed printed. Yes I am OCD…
My first day was on Tuesday for a practice round. Somewhat of a day of getting my bearings and figuring things out. I drove to the media hotel and boarded the bus to the course. As we pulled through the gates to say my excitement level was off the charts would be an understatement. We pulled up to the media center, got off the bus, went through the metal detectors and had my bag checked. As I walked into the media center it was far more than I was expecting. Unbelievable to say the least and they treat you like royalty. No expense spared and truly an amazing place for me to be for the week. First class food, drinks, everything. Couldn’t ask for a better experience. So.. day one I walked the course some and then went to the range and practice green to watch and photograph anyone there. I walked up to the gate, flashed my badge and proceed onto the range and who was there.. Tiger Woods… Wasn’t expecting my first golfer to shoot would be Tiger. For the next couple of hours that’s what I did. It was truly a memorable day.
Day two for me was Thursday and I was asked by the PGA to shoot photos of all the wives at their daily outing which was being held in Pawhuska at the Pioneer Womans Mercantile and Lodge. It was a great day interacting with all the ladies and they were a lot of fun. No attitudes just fun people.
Day three was Friday and I was back on course and when looking at the pairings for the day I decided there was no better group to follow than the pairing of Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth. The super group. It was a warm day but the golf was amazing and following these three legends their whole round was truly incredible. Couldn’t ask for a better group to follow. 1250 pictures that day.
Day four was supposed to be Saturday but I woke up sick with a major cold. With a significant weather change to rain and cold I decided it was a bad idea to get out in the weather.
Day five was Sunday.. THE FINAL ROUND!! I planned my attack and started the day with breakfast in the media center and then off to the range to see who was out. I followed VIktor Hovland for 3-4 holes and then to Ricki Fowler for a few holes until it was time for Rory to take the tee. I hurried back up to the first tee box and prepared for another long walking day. Once again it was outstanding following and photographing Rory. He’s a total class act. Rory made a nice 4 birdie run and it looked like I had possibly picked the right guy but on the back nine he just didn’t have what it took to keep the run going. Once Rory finished I shot the last 7 groups on their approach shot to the 18th green and then them putting on 18. Then back down the fairway for the next group, over and over and over until the last group came in. The excitement was mounting and after all the drama we were going to a two man playoff - Justin Thomas and Will Zalatoris. Two Americans fighting for the coveted Wanamaker Trophy. The playoff headed to 13 where they tied, 17 was next and JT took a one stoke lead over Zalatoris and then on to the last playoff hole - 18. And that’s where it ended and JT won it. His reaction was both priceless and disappointing. He sunk the 2’ putt and dropped his hands to his side and just stared off into the distance. No reaction like we usually get from other golfers. As a photographer you want a huge reaction but this was a great reaction as well.
Over all it was a fantastic and memorable week of golf at the PGA Championship. I hope to be asked back next year at Oak Hill Country Club, East Course, Rochester, NY!
Enjoy!
