I know a handful of people who run professional events around the country.  I've spent a lot of time working with the team in Portland responsible for the LPGA's Safeway Classic and I'm sure they would be the first to admit that putting on a professional event is hard work.

There are perks, however, that I would NEVER have thought of. I'd like to take a moment to thank Ray Halbritter for reminding me why I should put some money behind a PGA Tour stop.

For those of you who don't know who Halbritter is, he's the CEO of Nation Enterprises, the company that owns New York's Turning Stone Resort and Casino.  He is almost solely responsible for bringing a PGA event central New York (the Turning Stone Resort Championship). At age 60, Halbritter says he's worked hard and has decided to give himself the ultimate reward, a spot in the tournament.

"I had a conversation with the people in charge - myself - and I got lucky and got approved to play," Halbritter told reporters during a recent media day.  That's right, the 12 handicapper will be teeing it up with some of the game's best August 2nd thru 8th.

At a 12, Halbritter's handicap puts him in pretty average territory for amateur golfers, but he seems undaunted by the challenge of playing with the big boys. Even with the single digit cap I carry around, I'd probably be so nervous that I wouldn't break 100 in the first round.  If I had my own event, though, I'd still give myself a spot in the field every time. 

I wouldn't think twice about it, and neither would you.  We should all be thanking Ray Halbritter for doing one of the things any golfer would do if they could. 

Good luck next month, Ray!