GIO in T.O.

Last week, the Canadian Open was in town. Professional golfers, fans, photographers, sports writers and the PGA faithful flocked to the historic St. George’s Golf and Country Club in Etobicoke to take in the spectacle.

My dad had passes for the week, and I volunteered to join him on the links a couple of the days.

Monday was the Mike Weir charity tournament. I rode the GIO scooter out to the course, and navigated the various security checkpoints and closed roads.  I asked 12 security guards where the bicycle parking was. I got 11 different answers – some as far as 45 minutes away from the golf course. I opted for the closest location, but saw nary a bike (or rack) anywhere nearby.  I locked the scooter to a fence and made my way to the front gate.

I met up with my parents near the first tee, watching the groups tee off. They watched celebrities like Maple Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf, Olympic gold medalist Jon Montgomery, actor Kevin Dillon, NHL goalie Martin Brodeur, Canadian rocker Tom Cochrane, NHLer Rick Nash, and Jedi master / Snakes on a Plane superstar, Samuel L. Jackson.  As well, there were professional golfers like Camilo “Spiderman” Villegas, Stephen Ames, John Daly, and, of course, Mike Weir.

We enjoyed the sunshine, strode among the towering trees, admired the unforgiving bunkers and rolling, lightning-fast greens.

I went back on Wednesday, for the Pro-Am. I found the bike racks, and parked there was another scooter just like mine!

At the Open, I took some photos, wandered around and planted myself near the 11th green to watch the groups come by. Daly, Couples and Weir were the fan favourites, drawing the largest crowds. Then again, with the outfit Daly was wearing, how could he not draw a crowd?

Being at the Open was an interesting experience in people-watching. There were a lot of people at the event:  Kids who clearly come from money. Bored-looking teenagers who got roped into volunteering. Old guys who were at the last St. George’s Canadian Open. Women decked out in diamonds and cocktail dresses.

The one group that I couldn’t figure out were the autograph seekers. People lined up between holes to get their hats and St. George’s branded towels signed by the celebrities and golf pros. But why? I saw one lady give the cutest-looking kid in the audience $20 to get John Daly’s autograph.  I saw I grown man begging for autographs, openly admitting that he didn’t even know who it was that he was asking. It was interesting.

The Canadian Open was a good time. Live sports always offer experiences unique to what you see on TV. This was no different. I’m happy I had the scooter to get there!