The atmosphere at En-Joie Golf Club was buzzing with anticipation as amateur golfers gathered for the Dick’s Open Pro-Am draw party. Amidst a backdrop of meticulously arranged trays laden with frozen Miami Vices, smoked old fashions, and miniature lobster-roll sliders displayed near the first tee, participants faced a crucial decision: selecting a professional golfer to partner with for the upcoming rounds.
Groups of men huddled around orange and black high-top tables, each marked with a number from one to fifty. They hunched over their bourbon s’mores pudding cups and half-finished drinks, intensely studying their phones and sheets of paper filled with names. The pressure was on. With only sixty seconds on the clock and a dwindling list of available professionals, the choice had to be made quickly.
The tension was palpable. Should they go with Derek Sanders? Or perhaps the charismatic Boo Weekley? John Daly, the two-time major champion and beloved figure, had been an option just moments ago, but another group had already claimed him for Wednesday's round. Every second counted as the buzzer loomed closer.
For many, this Pro-Am is more than just a game; it's a chance to interact with professional golfers and contribute to charitable causes. Some golfers consider this particular Pro-Am an annual pilgrimage. As soon as the tournament dates are announced, they rush to book flights, secure hotel rooms, and arrange for tickets. Their goal is to partner with a different pro each year, adding to their collection of golfing experiences.
Others see this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, a chance to potentially play alongside a favorite golfer and maybe even glean some valuable tips to improve their swing.
But behind the fun and camaraderie, the draw party is a serious affair. The selection process is approached with varying degrees of strategy and intensity.
Kevin Dutkowsky, an amateur golfer, explained his group's approach. "We were searching online as soon as we got these lists to figure out who the big names were," he said, gesturing to his paper covered in pencil markings. "As names were picked, we had to adjust our list, but they're all so accomplished that it's easy to find someone every year." For Dutkowsky, the Dick's Open is also a cherished family reunion. He travels from Tampa Bay to Endicott, his hometown, to participate. He was scheduled to play in the Pro-Am on both days, alongside Soren Kjeldsen on Wednesday and Neal Lancaster on Thursday.
While some, like the Dutkowsky group, relied on online research and personal knowledge, others sought a professional with a distinct personality, both on and off the course.
Bradley Cook's group took a more unconventional approach, employing artificial intelligence to aid their decision-making process. "Around the twentieth slot, we took a picture of what was left on the board and ran it through ChatGPT with specific criteria," Cook explained. "We asked for an engaging professional who has won two PGA events, enjoys providing basic swing analysis, and would be most likely to have a beer with us at the bar afterwards." This marked Cook's fourth year participating in the Pro-Am, and he brought his wife and children along to share the experience. "It's amazing, it's a generational experience for us," he said. "It started with my grandfather, and now our kids are here, and hopefully they'll get to play in it in a few years." Ultimately, Cook's group selected Australian golfer John Senden for a Wednesday afternoon tee time.
For TJ Carden, a friend of Cook's, this Pro-Am represented a dream come true. He had caddied for his grandfather at the golf course and secured a spot to play with a pro through his company, United Health Services (UHS). Carden's colleagues took charge of the selection process, conducting research beforehand and arriving with a list of preferred names. They ultimately chose John Rollins as his golfing partner.
Carden, who has been around the sport his entire life, described the experience as something he won't soon forget. Although he admits his swing isn't the best, he looks forward to watching Rollins up close. "This Pro-Am, the Dick's Open, is absolutely a bucket list item for me," he said. "I'm just going to soak it all in."
With their drinks finished and the knowledge of their professional partners secured, the groups slowly made their way towards the exit. The next time they returned, they would be immersed in the reality of their carefully crafted strategies. Whether they successfully implemented tips from their pros or ended up sharing a meal with them afterward remained to be seen, but the anticipation was palpable. The course would be the ultimate testing ground for their choices.
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