John H. Perry
THE BARCLAYS
(AUGUST 25)-The Finale
When Gary Woodland’s birdie attempt in 18 went left of the hole and Tiger’s putt missed by 1/2 inch, that left Adam Scott as the only golfer amongst the 125 entry’s to shoot -11 and win the first leg of the Fed Ex Cup. Known as the Barclays. The Barclays is quickly becoming a fan favorite among metropolitan elites and blue collars alike.
After Thursday’s continuous rain delays and slow start the Barclays picked up momentum and never lost it, all the way up to Scott being declared the eventual winner.
(Left: Golf fan Daryl Jeffries of New Jersey, enjoys the Barclays.)
We were blessed with three days of gorgeous weather, to put the finishing touches on a very exciting and unpredictable golf tournament. This was one of those scripted events that could’ve went 20 different ways, at least.
It seemed as though everyone had a share of the lead at one time or another. Even early contestant Phil Mickelson had the crowd on the edge of their seats for a moment.
I’m sure New Yorkers, Jerseyites, T.V. viewers, and golf fans all over will marinate on this one for awhile– and can’t wait until The Barclays comes back to Liberty National again to be a guest of the “Lady With The Torch”.
2nd time Barclays spectator and Jersey City native Brent West was one of thousands of golf fans who came out to catch Sunday’s finale at Liberty National.
An avid golfer, Brent quoted that he wasn’t about to miss another opportunity to enjoy The Barclays, since it was being played in his backyard. He is a big Tiger Woods and Bubba Watson fanatic! He was there in 2009 when Heath Slocum took top honors. How ironic was it that Tiger finished in a four way tie for 2nd place then also. Close both times, but no cigars. Either way Brent enjoyed another trip down the fairways that parallel the Hudson River. I think even Henry was checking out the drama and excitement that was going on at The Barclays from his aerial view.
Brent works in the Wall Street district of Manhattan for a financial firm. The lean 32-year old bachelor sports a 15 handicap. And, also just got back from playing golf with friends in Hilton Head, S.C. –he plans to attend the next Barclays again, whenever it returns to Liberty National.
New York City resident Pauley Rodney was also among those I met who were hanging out at The Barclays during Sunday’s final round– trying to find out what hole Tiger was on next, so he could get a glimpse of his favorite golfer.
This was Rodney’s first-ever Barclays tournament. And he was truly excited. Although he had attended the Wells Fargo Golf Tournament at Quail Hollow Golf Club, in Charlotte, N.C., Rodney says he would like to take up the game of golf in the future. He’s fascinated with the Pros and how they make this sport look so easy.
Tiger is the number one reason Rodney admits that he started becoming interested in this great game called golf. On the social scene, Pauley’s favorite Broadway play is “Memphis”, about a Black disc jockey’s trials and tribulations. In his profession Rodney works for a non-profit organization, helping kids find internships and jobs in Manhattan. “Oh yes,” he says, he definitely plans to come back to The Barclays the next time it returns to Liberty National.
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(AUGUST 22, 2013) The first round of the Barclays so far has been pretty much a washout. With only a third of the Golfer’s getting out on Liberty National and taking their shots with this mini Nor’easter that’s holding the Jersey City and New York Metropolitan area hostage.
As we speak Australian Jason Day is the clubhouse leader at -4. Tiger Woods is -3 thru 7 holes and a host of others at -2. Starting his round on hole no.# 10 Tiger had 3 consecutive birdies on no.’s 14,15, &16 before play was suspended for a second time. With the cloudy overcast and rainy skies, even the Statue of Liberty is nowhere to be found in the background.
The Barclays is the 20th event that has had some sort of suspension of play this year on the PGA TOUR. Play resumed at 4:45 p.m. at the Barclays. The sun is shinning bright on Lady Liberty, and all is well again with the universe. Camilo Villegas and Kelvin Stadler are your co-leaders at -5. It looks as though everyone will be able to complete Thursday’s first round at the Barclays.
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The Barclays – DAY 1
(AUGUST 20, 2013) Tuesday at the Barclays was just another day at the office for the Pros.
Above: Tiger Woods on the 18th green.
They were all pretty much still in their comfort zones, going through their routine warm ups and preparations. Pressure free golf, in other words.
I think it’s safe to say that “Lady Liberty” got more attention than any of the 125 card carrying members.
Tomorrow’s Pro Am should bring a little more focus, and then it’s on. The race for the Fed Ex Cup officially begins. Gentlemen, start your engines. The New York City skyline will then take a back seat to the pin placements on these treacherous, undulating greens here at Liberty National.
Until tomorrow….
John H. Perry
Email: johnpgolf@icloud.com
John Perry is a freelance writer, poet and active golfer with a passion for calling shots like he sees them and, then, telling it like it is. He resides in Vauxhall, NJ.
