REASONS TO STILL ATTEND THE BMW CHAMPIONSHIP

Get a close up look at the following: Mrs. Baddeley, Tabitha Furyk, Mrs. Amy Mickelson (maybe if Phil’s in contention)

Get to see for first time in the LOU the guy who would have been considered a top 10 All-Timer in Phil Mickelson (if there was never a Tiger Woods, that is).

Say hey to some great caddies: Bones, Fluff, Adam Scott's guy Tony Navarro and K.J Choi's horse Andy Padger.

You will be able to yell "Your not the man, Tiger is," in the middle of 70 good players’ backswings.

See the new Bellerive; it is sweet. The changes are great, the place should look fantastic and it is our only PGA Tour venue!

The best players in the game have not played a round in St. Louis since 1992. I am almost forty years old and they have only been here once in my life. Oh yeah, before the Ryder Cup became the Ryder Cup, they did have it at Old Warson in 1971, but I was only 2.

Witness numerous St. Louis golf geeks wearing golf shoes to watch the action instead of just wearing tennis shoes.

You will be able to witness what happens when a person is given a shirt and hat and a sign that reads “QUIET PLEASE.” Some of these people begin to think that they are as important as the players. I both love and hate this. They think they own their hole or a grandstand where they are marshalling.

Support golf in St. Louis. Yeah it sounds stupid, but if you want any chance of getting more tournament golf or may I dare say a U.S. Open, this year’s event needs good support

You won't believe how good they are. You think you got a little game, but get ready to be humbled.

What the hell else are you going to do the first week of September?

GOLF NOTES

Big time congrats to Justin Bardgett for winning the Missouri Amateur in fine fashion over the best "AM" in St. Louis Skip Berkmeyer last Sunday at Winghaven. Many had hoped that Berkmeyer would face last year’s champ Connor McHenry in the final. I was told young Mr. McHenry has a ton of game and an attitude to match. The young fireball will not be able to defend his Missouri Stroke Play title because the club does not want the kid on its grounds because of his antics? Pretty wacky stuff. BTW, Winghaven looked tremendous for the championship and the MGA was very happy with them as the host for the event.

Congrats also go out to Jeremy Franklin, Scott Langley and Chris Brant. All three qualified this past Tuesday and Wednesday at Aberdeen for the USGA's Amateur Public Links. Franklin led the way with 68 and 69. The three are headed to Aurora, Colorado and the Murphy Creek Golf Course for the championship to be held July 14-19.

And good luck to those competing this week in the annual St. Louis District Golf Association Men's Championship at Norwood Hills Country Club. The defending champion is two-time champ Dustin Ashby.