Notes From Torrey Pines: The Tiger Effect

Some observations while covering the third round of the Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines:

Tiger Effect #1: The crowds are large. So, how do you find what hole Tiger Woods is playing? Follow the crowds.
The Course: Torrey Pines South looks splendid, though the rough isn't nearly as thick and rough as you might expect. But that should all change come June when the course hosts the U.S. Open. This course is going to play like a monster.
Tiger Effect #2: Who would think? I'm noticing an awful lot of teen and twenty-somethings in the galleries. I don't think they're here to watch Jim Furyk, or even Phil Mickelson. I don't even think they care about the tournament. It's more about being able to say, "I saw the world's most recognized athlete in the world."
Halfway House: A hot dog and a bottle of Miller Lite - $14. Can't wait for the U.S. Open - still time for an equity loan.
Tiger Effect #3: Following Tiger is a lot of work. Galleries around the tees and greens where he's playing run 10-20 people deep. Best strategy? Find a spot on the fairway where he might land his tee shot and wait for him to approach his ball. You can see him pretty close up. What other sport allows the spectators this access?
Fashion Notes: Tiger is sporting skin tight long sleeve athletic undershirts beneath his Nike duds. The dude is ripped.
Tiger Effect #4: I see Vijay Singh, Fred Couples, Jim Furyk, Stuart Appleby - all fine golfers. Yawn. Where's Tiger? Oh yeah, follow the crowd.
Rolex at Torrey Pines? The muni course is sporting some new bling. A new Rolex tower clock has been installed between the two practice greens. I think it should be a Timex, though. More fitting for our beloved muni.
Tiger Effect #5: He's a chick magnet. That must be the reason why there are a lot of females in the gallery. Because all I see during a regular round of golf are men with big guts who can't walk a course.
Be like Tiger: Lots of kids in the gallery with their parents. I like that. Golf is a good sport to carry with you for the rest of your life. And you don't need steroids.
Tiger Effect #6: By the end of his third round, Tiger has opened up an eight shot lead. There's no reason to conduct the final round. It's going to rain anyway. Good thing I saw the third round.

Attending the final round of the Buick Invitational? Read my tips for attending here.