IF YOU’RE COMING OUT, THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW by John Craig

VERONA – If you are planning on coming out to see the PGA Tour make its only upstate New York stop of the season, here’s some of what you need to know and may want to experience.

DRESS WARMLY

 While the forecast changes every few hours – “oh, it’s going to rain,” “oh, I heard 60’s,” oh, it just change to possible 70!” – you should come prepared. Wear long pants, a long-sleeved golf shirt, some raingear, a jacket, a hat, an umbrella and comfortable, durable, warm and dry shoes.

 A caddy I was talking with on Tuesday put it simply: “All you’re trying to do is make sure everything stays dry. That’s the biggest thing and playing good golf is the most important. Dot your I’s and cross your T’s,” said Michael Maroney who has worked with Michael Allen since 2004.

PINK SOCKS AND SUCH

 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and as the month and tournament begin Thursday, Oct. 1, fans are encouraged to wear some pink to bring awareness to the cause. Breast cancer survivors will be admitted free on Thursday. The Carolyn M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund of Central New York will be one of the tournament beneficiaries this year. Carolyn Baldwin is the mother of the famous acting Baldwin brothers. Stephen Baldwin met the media Wednesday morning to talk about the disease.

 “It’s just a great thrill and an honor and a passion of myself and our family to be involved with Breast Cancer Awareness Month,” Baldwin said.  Both his mother and sister, Elizabeth has survived breast cancer. The Fund has another operation in Long Island, where the Baldwins grew up.

“That is my mother’s crusade,” he said. “She doesn’t back down. A lot of people don’t know that she started this organization without the help of her sons.”  The Turning Stone Resort Championship has made a substantial charitable impact with nearly $1 million being donated to charitable groups throughout the country in the two short years of the tournament’s operation.

Robert Allenby traditionally wears a pink shirt on Sundays to honor his mother, who died of cancer earlier this year. He packed two pink shirts this week.

“I’d wear pink every day,” Allenby said. “I’m not afraid to wear pink. I’ve got a pink shirt for (Thursday) and also got a pink jumper as well. They even gave us some pink socks so that’ll look good with black.”

KODAK CHALLENGE

 Since fans can only bring cameras for the Wednesday Pro-Am and practice, many who come will have to remember the layout in their mind or through a program booklet. Kodak is taking it a step further. Fans can get a unique photo opportunity with the Kodak Fan Photo Zone. Located at the 13th hole, it will give fans the opportunity to get their picture taken at the golf course for FREE!

 Photos can be picked up at the Kodak Fan Photo Zone anytime during the tournament. It opens at 7:00 AM till the end of play Thursday through Sunday.  The Kodak Challenge is a first-of-its kind competition on the PGA Tour of picturesque holes they play on the 2009 tour.
 

At Turning Stone, it’s the 11th, a 230-yard, par-3. Players must play at least 18 of the 30 Kodak Challenge holes throughout the season to compete for $1 million and the Kodak Challenge title. A player’s lowest score relative to par on his best 18 Kodak Challenge holes will be counted. Kevin Streelman leads the Kodak Challenge at 13-under by one stroke over J.J. Henry. Seven players – Jason Bohn, Jason Gore, Nathan Green, Michael Letzig, Tim Herron, Charley Hoffman and Nicholas Thompson – are tied at 11-under.

 Seventeen of the top 22 Kodak Challenge contenders are playing here this week. Turning Stone is the 26th tournament to host the Kodak Challenge this year. The $1M will be awarded on November 15th at the Children’s Miracle Network Open in Orlando, Florida.

SMILE & WIN

 Don’t be concerned if some random person comes up to you and gives you a prize like a hat or a pocket video camera.

It’s part of another Kodak promotion called the “Smile & Win” Spotter Promotion. It gives fans instant prizes. Fans can pick up a free Kodak lanyard at the Photo Zone at the 13th hole. At most tournaments these days, you have to display your ticket at all times. A lanyard is a perfect way to display it without worrying if the string breaks and the ticket flies away.

 Free lanyards are available from 8:00AM to 5:00PM Thursday through Sunday at the 13th. Spotters will be out on the course randomly stopping people and giving them everything from a “Kodak Challenge” cap to a Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera to Turning Stone Resort merchandise. Of those selected, one will win a grand prize of $1,000 Frys.com gift card.

FISH FRY FRIDAY

 Friday feel free to throw your line into “Fish Fry Friday.” Tournament organizers are trying something new, a picnic-like atmosphere for spectators. In addition to the concession stands, traditional fish fry lunches are available, a central New York “thang.”

HOMECOMING GAME

 While prominent upstate NY golfer Joey Sindelar is not in the field this year, Notah Begay III, who plays out of Turning Stone, is and it’s a sort of homecoming for him at this Native American site.

 The other homecoming this weekend is Syracuse University’s football game. Organizers were worried that those that weren’t going to the game at the Carrier Dome would stay home to watch the noon kickoff. Tournament officials will be showing the game against South Florida. Like the Pink Out, they are encouraging fans to wear the color orange.

HOURS OF OPERATION

 Gates open 7:00AM Thursday and Friday. The first ball struck comes at 7:15AM off the first and tenth tees.
 Gates open 8:00AM Saturday and Sunday. The third and fourth rounds of competition begin then.
 Television coverage on Golf Channel is at 4:00PM each day. XM Radio coverage is at noon each day.

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