This year’s Traveler’s Championship proved to be an exciting event, especially for the eventual winner Kenny Perry. Perry shot a tournament record 22 under par, and after his Master’s collapse this victory made it all worthwhile. Kenny stayed with a local Wethersfield family that lost their power from a freakish tornado on Friday night; however, it didn’t faze Perry in the least as he became the number one leader in Fed Ex Cup points after the victory.

    This year’s new edition was the “Subway Fan Zone” that was well attended by most all spectators. The Fan Zone consisted of various booths such as McDonald’s McCafe, AT&T Free Phone Calls, Chalone Vinyards free wine tasting, a Traveler’s booth with interactive games and free t-shirts, The First Tee putt-putt golf course, and much much more. With the bad weather on Friday and Saturday evening, the scheduled concerts were cancelled;
however, it was a great idea for future events.

    My friend Vijay Singh was in good spirits at the start of the week, but his putting let him down and he finished well back in the pack. Another good friend, Australian Greg Chalmers,  was working on his posture and spine angle at the practice tee and started really hitting the ball well. Greg also informed me that Tiger Woods will be playing the Australian Masters later on in 2009, which will be a big boost for Australian golf. J. J. Henry, of Fairfield,
shot 10 under par to be the lowest native CT pro.

    Caught up with former Hartford Courant golf writer Bruce Burlet. He is getting over a hernia operation and is still doing some freelance writing. Also saw Arnold Dean, radio broadcaster that has covered the tournament for 45 years and this was his last tournament coverage. Met photographer Ken Dennis (kendennis.com), and was impressed by his work. The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp had a booth that was headed by Jennifer Weeks (director of special events). We talked about my appearance and performance at the camp this summer,
which I’m looking forward to doing.

   I attended the media party on Thursday evening at one of the Traveler’s sponsor tents. Tournament director, Nathan Grube, and media manager, Ann Marie McLaughlin conducted a great night with some valued raffle prizes for all the media people. I met Patricia Hannigan, who has a great web site, Golfgirlmedia.com. In talking with her, she was interested in my golf songs, so I sang “Old Damn Golf Game”. They liked the song and want to post it on their website.
    In conclusion, the 2009 Traveler’s Championship was a big success, and congratulations to Traveler’s and the Hartford Jaycees for making everything run smooth. Even in a slow economy the attendance was good through some fiery wet weather; however, Sunday’s beautiful sunshine bought out a big crowd. The tournament increased their charitable contribution by $350,000 for a total of over one million dollars. Good on you Traveler’s!!!!!