Date: Thu, 22 Jun 2023 12:56:44 +0000 (UTC) From: Mike Simmons Subject: It was always about the bets 378 I was up well before the alarm and it was the typical run but JJ wanted to add some distance and yet maintain our new aggressive pace. That caused a problem for both of us as we are both gasping for air when we finished. I was excited for the day and the new things and people that were entering my life. A very hot shower hit the spot and I dressed in the blazer, figuring I would surprise everyone I then that attire. I filled the travel mug with coffee and jumped into the Mustang and drove to school. I left the blazer in the car and put on a thin leather jacket. With the fitted dress shirt and tie, I was thinking this was a great look. I had to wonder if the jacket would work at the Duquesne Club. I simply went to English. Before class started Doc Johnson appeared and said Mike, I need to see you. I gathered my shit and went out in the hall. We walked to his office and sitting there waiting for us was the School Board President. Once the idle chit chat was over the Board President said Mike at tonight's Board meeting we will be issuing a proclamation recognizing Cole and his accomplishments as a golfer and a student. Sir, why aren't you talking with Cole about this? Mike, it is to be a surprise. Well Cole has an event scheduled for tomorrow and he is hoping it will be a low key event. He is hoping just the media covering the Invitational. For better or worse this School District no longer lives in a vacuum. Local media will be here as they are waiting for an announcement on a football coach. Will Chuck be back or not and you guys have punted on that since January. The local media will run a story on the evening news about Cole. They will also contact their National sports departments and Cole will have media up his ass all day. While this is a nice gesture on the Districts part I am again asking you to contact Cole. Then I looked at Doc and asked is there anything else, I would like to get to class. Doc laughed said Mike, from what I'm hearing all you do is show up, I'm starting to think I should have encouraged you to graduate in January. I smiled and said Doc, what's that saying about the barn door? Doc shook his head and said Mike, we will need a number for Cole. I shrugged and gave him the number. On the way to class, I decided to stop in the "Boy's" room and then went to my locker and simply avoided going to English. I didn't care what they did and it was nice and as for media up his ass Cole had that coming no matter what a School Board did up here in the suburbs of Pittsburgh. The Palmer Invitational was a big deal and it would be an elite field so the sports media would be all over this like a wet blanket. I just wanted him to make the damn cut. History was history and I actually participated. There was actually a lab project in physics as we had to do various measurements on waves. Winnie and I had a blast as she teased me about my tie. We did manage to get our work done and the teacher simply ignored us. As I was signing out Doc Johnson got me and said Mike, we talked with Cole and after he thanked us for the honor he said we should do whatever as it is the worst kept secret the world has ever seen. Doc, I'm glad you talked with him and some how and I can't figure out how he has this under control. I had a good bit of time before lunch but not enough time to get into something meaningful so I simply drove to my place. At my place I checked the spare room and made sure thing were clean and in order. I was careful to check the sheets, which were good as the room was hardly used. I smiled as I remembered how Cole was the last to use the room. I made sure there was beer, iced tea, soft drinks and after in the refrigerator. I was satisfied that the place was in good shape and I got in the Mustang and drove to town and the Duquesne Club. Traffic in town was one red light after and congested. I thought I had plenty of time but now I was just on time. There was no issue parking as the valet was there as soon as I pulled up. I got out of the car and the kid smiled and said sir, that's an awesome ride. I smiled and and said, thanks. Inside I said I was here to meet Mr. Caliguiri and I was told that he had just arrived and I was asked to follow him. The table was in a place that was a bit out of the way but not at all secluded. As we approached the table and Caliguiri saw us coming he stood up and walked around the table stuck put is hand and we shook hands. He said Mike, thanks for taking the time to meet me. Well Mr. Mayor, it is my pleasure. He laughed out loud and said please don't rush that as stranger thing have happened and it hasn't happened yet. Mike I asked for this meeting as I'm hoping we can find a way to work together. The waiter came and we both ordered iced tea. Alone again I asked if I could call him Rich and he said he preferred Richard. Well Richard, I'm hoping that we can do that and to put all the cards on the table I have two buildings to build and would like to have to bargain every step of the way. Richard laughed and said well Mike, that depends on how straight forward your projects are. Richard, what I have found in the past is that the determining factor is the ambition and agenda of the Mayor determines the cooperation and that the City Agencies simply do and react in a way that accommodates those ambitions nd agenda. The drinks came and I ordered a Chicken Caesar Salad and Richard ordered a Club Sandwich. Once the waiter was gone the visitors started. It was Congrats Mr. Mayor, Mike, it's good to see you. Mike, do you need and help on the buildings and the one that pissed me off was Mike, I'm looking to make a move, are you hiring. I reached in my shirt pocket and handed him a business card and Sid call HR and I shot him a dirty look. Then I looked at Richard and said next time I pick a place where this shit won't happen and we can actually talk. Richard laughed saying, well I get that but I'm a politician and I'm used to it. Well Richard, I'm not and I find it rude and disturbing. Mike, it is but I'm thinking at some point you too will find it necessary. That might be true but I'll have at least 7 years to adjust. Richard was quiet and I smiled as I knew he was wondering what message I just sent him of if there was a message. Mike, I have want to be Mayor for a long time and I knew Pete didn't want to stay around much longer so I aimed for Council President. You see the most effective Mayors don't have political ambitions other than being Mayor. Mike have you ever heard of Dave Lawrence? I laughed out loud and people actually looked over at us. Richard, in my opinion he was one of the most effective Mayors this city has had as the renovated the Point and made it the focal point of the city. Yet he moved on to Governor, at an older age and to satisfy the Democratic Party. Richard, looked right at me and said Mike, I'll never do that again. I should have know you are versed in the City. Mr. Mayor, to be, understand that I can talk for hours about this region and the need for us to respect the past but to move on from the damn Steel Industry. It isn't coming back, not now not ever. Mike, I totally get that but is it technology? Well, I think it is but it is also, Education and Health Care and anything else. Hell, we have an advantage as the cost of living here is much less than a lot of places. That is especially important as we can actually keep our young people, like me, here. Then there are the rivers which enabled industry to develop here. True it was at a great cost but them made Pittsburgh and the Region grow and prosper. We need to clean them up and use them not only to move coal and things but also for recreation. If you haven't noticed, I'm trying to do all that. Michael, we wouldn't be meeting if I was unaware of you and your goals. This conversation was interrupted by 5 people and anyone that was interested in talking with me was told very quickly and not always politely who to contact at the company. The business cards I handed out had the comp y min number and I would tell the receptionist to take message for me. Our food arrived and thankfully the visitors respected that. I pretty much played with the salad as I wanted to talk in peace. The conversation continued and I was pleased that Richard, at least for now appeared to have no political ambitions and seemed to understand and appreciate what I wanted to accomplish. I like the guy and would see where this would go. I did however remind him that while I could support a Mayor, I had no intention of supporting or endorsing anyone for Governor or Senate. He laughed and said well it is. Bit early to be clearing the field for you run. I laughed and said, I have no intention to ever live in Harrisburg. At this point I had him convinced I would eventually run for Senate. Fuck, all I knew at this point is that I would be what I became. As we finally finished eating we shook hands and I said next time my treat and at South Hills Country Club or Oakmont. He smiled and said Mike, that's a deal. We started to walk out together but that was impossible as we were were both repeatedly stopped by people with different agendas. I finally got to the point where I simply walked past people and found the valet. The car was quickly retrieved and I gave the guy a nice tip. There wasn't enough time to do anything and it was too early to do anything. I drove the few blocks to Gateway Center and parked in the underground lot. It was a short walk from there to the Point where our three rivers joined. It was a great early Spring day and I was hoping that we would have an early end to Winter. It was an awesome vied and you could see for a long way down the Ohio River and with the wind blowing from the West it was a great feel, right in my face but gentle and neither warm nor cold, it was just a breeze. Walking back to the garage I was relaxed and ready for five and a half days of Drama. It was still too early to go to the airport so I sat in a bench I'm front of Gateway 1. An aluminum high-rise that was part of what we called the renaissance, it was a big deal at the time. The next big deal was the Civic Arena but that came with the demise of the Lower Hill District. Which was a large part of the Black Community's heritage. The building itself was unique as it looked like an igloo and the roof opened, well rarely. At any rate, I called Tim and briefed him on the meeting with the next Mayor. He seemed to be every bit as pleased with this new guy as I was and had checked him out. I went to the garage and paid an outrageous amount for 90 minutes of parking and started for the ramp onto the Fort Pitt Bridge and Tunnel. As usual it was a mess, traffic wise and when I finally got out of the tunnel Greentree hill wasn't any better as it was three lanes of slow moving traffic. The usual 35 minute ride took an hour and five minutes. I simply pulled into the short term parking lot and walked to baggage claim. I checked the board and found that Trey's plain had just landed and I sat on. Bench and waited. I was in awe of the newly opened airport. It was unique in that you arrived at one terminal and then took an underground Tram to the other terminal and the gates and restaurants. Soon enough I saw Trey and though damn the California kid is going to need warm clothes. He had on jeans, a polo shirt and a very light jacket. He saw me and we hugged and I said, dude, I'm glad to see you, how are things back home? Mike they are good as mom and dad saw me off. We chatted as there was a wickedly long wait for his luggage and there was two bags along with his carry on. I grabbed the bigger bag and we started for the car. When I got to the airport I didn't think about parking. I knew short term but I simply pulled in, parked and noted the location. Just then a shuttle pulled up and I was quickly at rage terminal. Getting back to the car was altogether different. In front of us was a very long corridor and there was no way to see the end. Thankfully Trey stepped on the people mover. I looked at him and he has blond hair that had streaks of brown and I would bet that his hair was a very light brown, bleached by the sun. I would need to see him naked to know for sure. He was about 6' or a tad bigger and was fit. He had great legs and the hair on them was also light. I knew he had to be in shape as he carried two golf bags and each round was over 4 mikes and not always level. When I saw the markers which indicated where I was parked, I asked Trey to get off at the next break. As we were close to the break he said damn, nice notice. I shrugged and said deal with it. On the shortish walk to the car Trey said damn, that airport is nice but not people friendly and that wait for the luggage was hard to take after a long flight. I couldn't argue with that but simply opened the trunk and the 2 suitcases easily fit but Trey threw the carryon on the back seat. I asked if he was hungry and he replied, starving. That's good as I'm going to introduce you to a Pittsburgh neighborhood bar. It is a real throw back and my dad would come here when he was your age, after a softball game. Now I'm here more than him and the place is still in the family as the current owner is second generation. Trey, we do that a lot here. We got off the parkway at the Greentree exit and in less than ten minutes we were at the bar parking lot. Trey went in first and laughed and said Mike, there is nothing like this anywhere in California. Trey, this place is a bit unique even for us. The owner came over and there was the usual hug and he said Mike, you just missed your dad. It was good to see him. I was curious who dad was with but didn't ask. I introduced Trey and when asked he ordered a Miller Lite and I said the usual. Trey was looking at the menu and asked how he was doing as he had been very quiet. Mike, I'm tired as this has been a long day. It was an hour drive to the airport, I had to be there early as the TSA lines were long and then that long flight with a fat dude beside me. Then the long time at your airport for luggage and I'm starving. What's good here? Trey, it's good and a lot of food, just don't order the Ruben. When our drinks came Trey laughed and said Mike, no wonder you come here as your usual is beer. Trey, it's just one and this happens at a couple of places I frequent. I ordered half an Italian delight and fries and Trey said I'll have the same but please make mine a a whole one. I shrugged and changed the fries order to a basket. Then I asked how things were with the family? Mike, I'm the only one that went to college and I have never wanted to be in the family business. Dad, has always understood but mom is an issue. He wants me to stay local and I can't see that being productive. With golf and school I don't have time for much else. Mike it isn't like here as I wear shorts often in winter. I laughed at that and said, damn I haven't had shorts on in months, well except at the gym. Trey laughed and said well by the looks of you they are on a lot. Mike, I worked things out at school with three professors and I can simply take the final the other course is Pass/Fail and I need to simply submit a paper and I can work on that here. Basically, I need to go back the second week of May to take the tests. I have a buddy in each of those classes and he will send me notes he takes from class. I laughed at that and the food came. Trey looked at his sandwich and said well I guess I have lunch for tomorrow. Trey had another beer and I switched to iced tea and we took our time eating and he was getting more comfortable as we chatted and it was very casual. When we finished, I tried to pay the bill and that went nowhere and Trey just shook his head. As we walked to the car and the sun was just setting I told Trey there was something I wanted to show him and that it was a view that everyone coming to Pittsburgh for the first time should see. We got in the car and I got on the parkway and we started down Greentree hill. At the bottom of the hill was the Fort Pitt tunnels. Halfway through the tunnel I said Trey just look straight ahead. When we exited the tunnel there it was a panoramic view of the city with the setting sun making the view better. Trey just sat there looking and didn't say anything until we turned off the bridge. Then he simply said wow, that's awesome. I got off at the Second Avenue exit talking the long way to my place. That was was past my buildings which I pointed out but we didn't stop. The final stop was just past my house at Caste Village and the Giant Eagle. I told Trey that there wasn't much to eat at my place as he would need breakfast for 3 days and possibly lunch for two days. Inside we grabbed a cart and he selected strawberries, grapes, tomatoes and a cantaloupe. Moving on it was Italian bread and at the deli he asked Mike, what is chipped ham? I smiled and said a Pittsburgh thing and it is very thinly sliced ham loaf. If you hold a piece to the light you can see through it and it is great with Swiss herself and tomato. He ordered a pound of ham and half a pound of the cheese and we found eggs and orange juice. Trey pulled out a card and was asked if he had an Advantage Card. I pulled out mine and they scanned it. Then the cashier smiled and said you two make a cute couple. I laughed and Trey just shook his head. On the way to the car he asked about the Advantage Card. Trey it is a promotional thing and they know what I buy and I get discounts on gas and the grocery bill. Best of all my company mange's the program nd every time one is scanned I get paid. It's not much but over the course of the year it adds up. With the luggage and the groceries it took two trips each. I showed Trey what would be his room and said that he could stay until he was comfortable and situated and knew what he could afford. I left him to settle in while I put the groceries in the refrigerator. When I was finished I turned on ESPN and nothing interested me. I grabbed a beer and was looking for something to watch when the door flew open and JJ appeared smiling. He immediately grabbed a beer and sat on the loveseat. So JJ what has you in such a great mood? MJ, two of my students passed their check rides with the old man and I got a $100 bonus, in cash. I smiled and asked what else? Well I have a Prom date and she is coming on the trip. I hope you have enough rooms. Well I have one for Winnie, Jessica, you, Trey and me. I have two others and your damsel can have one but the largest room goes to Kyle and his wife. So JJ, who is this latest victim? JJ laughed and said she is Emily Carter. So JJ have you had sex with her yet? He smiled and said MJ, I don't kiss and tell but she isn't a Rally Girl. I laughed out loud and said sure. Trey appeared and he was wearing straight legged CALVIN Kline jeans that were more than a bit tight and a Nike polo shirt. I just looked at the dude and how fucking sexy he was and was hoping I wasn't getting hard. JJ immediately asked so Trey you working tonight? Trey, looked at JJ and said well if you wanted 8" of prime Cali cock, I could do you, say a $100. JJ said dude I was thinking you would pay for my time as I bet you never had pure Texas cock. Then they both burst out laughing as apparently it was a joke. Then JJ said MJ, we set that up for when we were all together in June. It just happened sooner than we thought. I thought shit as now I wanted both of them. Well we spent a couple of hours chatting and fulling around, nothing sexual and I was glad not to have to figure that out just now. Finally JJ said MJ, I'll see you in the morning for the run. Trey immediately asked, what time is that? JJ said 5:45 as we have to be at school at 7:30 and it's a quick 5 miles. Trey said well if you don't mind I would like to join you guys. JJ looked at Trey and said dude, I'm good with that, just keep up. Trey laughed and said JJ, I bet I keep up and do it easily. JJ smiled and said that's a bet. I thought shit. JJ left and I looked at Trey and asked is there any chance you will lose? He smiled and said I run 8 to 10 miles every day as I need to be in shape to carry two bags five miles in the morning and often do it again in the afternoon. Trey do you have any idea what might happen should you lose? Mike, does JJ? I looked right at him and said definitely. Trey laughed and said great I haven't had a BJ since January. Trey grabbed a beer and sat on the loveseat and asked so Mike, what's on the agenda for tomorrow? Trey Dillon will call you around 8:30 and then pick you up. He is the President of MJS Technology. He will show you around and introduce you around. You won't be permitted on the 3rd floor as you are lacking a security clearance. I'm tied up till around 1:00. I'm sure Dillon will take you to a contemporary place for lunch. Dillon is your age and a Pitt graduate and is working on a Masters in Comp. Sci. at CMU. Trey, we are very busy but Dillon has an awareness of everything we do here. Just listen and don't try to impress him, just be yourself. It will be a pretty casual day and if you need clothes there is every size imaginable in the closets in my room. My current clothes will be too big for you but inbred so much and so fast in high school I shopped for new clothes almost every month. In the afternoon, once I'm free, I'll take you to see some sites around town and we will be going to the Penguin game in the evening and will be eating in the Igloo Club for dinner. I don't know what you know about Hockey but it is a great team. With that I said good night and set you alarm for the run. Trey laughed and said Mike, I'll be more than ready. With that I went to my room and still needed to call Cole and Winnie. I called Cole as I was hoping it would go to voicemail and I could leave a message and when he called back that would shorten the call with Winnie. I called Cole and he answered with hey Bro, how was your day? I had to laugh and said well I'm good and golf is very good but the shit around it is a mess. Somehow ESPN figured out the announcement and will be covering it live. Cole, that could be your agent's dad. MJ, I thought about that but Colin said absolutely not. He even offered to resign. Well Cole, all I can say is that with this stuff, shit happens. So Cole, what will you wear now that it is on live TV? MJ, beige slacks and a green Oakmont polo. I have an hour limit on things as I need to practice. Ok Cole, how is Liam. MJ, he is good and says he just wants the golf to start. With that we said good night and hung up. I called Winnie and we talked for about 15 minutes and I told her about Trey and that JJ was bringing Emily Carter along on the trip. I could see her shaking her head but she said Mick, that's a high class date, what's up with that? Babe, I have no idea. She laughed and said no shit but I'll have the details by science class and I'll get you in the loop. Then she said good night and I'll see you tomorrow. I simply jumped into bed after prepping the coffee for 2 and setting the alarm. I was up about 30 seconds before the alarm and saw the sun was out so I put on a sweatsuit and running shoes and found Trey dressed in similar attire and drinking orange juice. Outside the weather was reasonable and and JJ was waiting. There was very little conversation and JJ set the normal pace. Trey was right beside us and there was no issue with him keeping him up with us. Slowly JJ increased the pace and Trey stayed right with us. We turned to head back and this time Trey picked up the pace. About half way back on the homeward track Trey was doing well and JJ and I were a bit stressed, nothing major but Trey was firmly in control. When we were about 10 houses away from JJ's house Trey simply took off and there was no doubt that he had more than kept up. When we were finished Trey went right up to JJ and said, Cowboy, you owe me and while we were kidding last night with Mike I have every bit of 8" and this Cali boy needs serviced. JJ shrugged and said, whatever. Inside, I turned the coffee on and jumped into the shower. The dress for the day was black jeans and a light grey mock turtleneck and soft shoes. Trey was at the kitchen bar on a stool eating fruit reading something in a small book. As I poured the travel mug with coffee I asked what he was reading. Mike the Pro at Pebble gave me a caddie book for Bay Hill. Mike it's a damn hard course. Not only that the rough will be up and the greens will be very fast. Trey, they won't be nearly as fast as Oakmont's greens, hell they slow them down for Majors. Trey I'm sure Cole has one of those and it is full of notes. Oh, by the way at noon today turn on ESPN as Cole is holding a press conference. Trey, if you need transportation the keys to the Wrangler are on my desk. He said thanks but I'm good. With that I drove to school. At school I survived the boredom of English and then History. Thankfully there was a project in Physics but it was because others had not finished the last project. Winnie and I quickly confirmed our findings and talked quietly. Emily had had a boyfriend for two years and they were a high powered couple. They grew apart and her and JJ were looking for the same thing. Fun and a Prom date. Mick, all is good and there appears to be no games both sets of eyes are wide open. The period ended and I walked Winnie to class and signed out for the day. I stopped for coffee and a Big Mac and drove to the office. As soon as I got to my office I called the Maintenance Department and told them I needed a TV by 11:30. I then called Tim and told him about Cole and ESPN. He was thrilled and said he would be there. I was getting more and more nervous as the time passed. The TV was in place way before 11:30 and that made me more nervous. I got up and went to the Cafeteria and got some coffee. When I got back to my office I found Dillon and Trey sitting in the club chairs chatting. We were soon joined by Tim and Kyle and I knew everyone was there so that they could help me relax. A few minutes before noon the ESPN Anchor said, we have been following a developing story on the PGA Tour. Let's see what's happening at the Palmer Invitational. Here is Paul Scofield our correspondent covering the event. Paul what have you found out for us. Well Chet, there have been a flurry of rumors about this 17 year high school kid. You might remember that he actually won a tournament last year. This was to be a standard player interview but this morning the time was changed to noon and the location was moved to accommodate the media attention. Chet, the News Conference is about to start, let's see what happens. Then he said Cole Simmons has just entered accompanied my a woman who is obviously his mother. By the way she is a Federal Judge. Let's watch. What I actually saw on the television was Cole enter the room followed by Megan, dad. AP and Fred entered but there were only three and they stood behind Cole. Cole moved a chair and Megan sat down and once she was settled. The optics were OUTSTANDING. Polite son with two big time professionals standing behind him indicating they had his back. Cole adjusted the microphone, smiled and said, Good Afternoon, in case there is someone here who doesn't know I'm Cole Simmons. I have with me two very special people my mom, the Honorable Megan Simmons and on my left is Michael Simmons, my stepdad. There will be more about then a bit later. I would also like to thank the two guy standing behind me, having my back as the have mentored and advised me through out this entire process. I am here today to announce that I am turning Professional starting with the Palmer Invitational. I would like to thank Mr. Palmer for the opportunity. Cole paused and everyone in the room had a question. Once everyone calmed down Cole said this was not an easy decision and I started to plead my case as soon as I returned from a charity event at Pebble Beach. You have no idea how complicated it is to have a mother who is a federal judge. We love each other but the negotiations and intense at times. Mom spent a lot of time with Mr. Palmer on that trip. I learned a lot about my game playing in the wind. Heck the gusts would move a ball on the green. We or rather mom, worked things out at school and I have a number of things that I have agreed to do. Simply put it will be golf and school work and not much else. Golf is complicated at this level and we have hired an agent, Colin McGuire of Elite Sports Management. I'm sure Colin will be available throughout the tournament. Lastly, Callaway Golf and I have entered into a sponsorship agreement. That was negotiated before mom and I brought Elite Sports on board. To set the ground rules, I have a practice round scheduled for 2:15 and even 17 year olds need to loosen up. I'll take questions till you are tired asking them or 1:30, whichever comes first. Cole then loudly said I have a request. I am Western Pennsylvania born and bread and I would like the first question to be from the reporter from the Pittsburgh Post Gazette. Cole, Gary Dulac from the PG, Cole why would you forgo that more traditional route and choose the Pro route? Gary, I actually tried that. One of the gentlemen behind me managed a sponsor's exemption and what many consider to be a miracle occurred, I won. That enabled me to select tournaments and I played well. I enjoyed the spectators and developed a following. I like this better. Cole, Alex Wycoff from the BBC, Will you be playing in the Open Championship? Alex, as of now I am not eligible and qualifying will be complicated. I am playing in the Masters and in our Open as I am already eligible for those. My current schedule is to skip next week and play through the masters. Someone just called out, why skip next week? Well whoever you are, I'll answer that type of question just this time. There are two sides to this, my play on the course and the business side. Oh, and I need to breath some. This is a big time field and a big boy course. Cole, Bremen I'm from ESPN. Cole laughed and said I know, what's up? Well Cole you have a different approach to the game and the spectators. Can you explain that? Well Chris, the game has been the same for centuries. You stick a tee in the ground, hit the ball and at the end of the round the dude with the lowest number of strokes wins. As for the spectators, they pay to watch us play. They pay ridiculous prices for shirts and food and we ignore them and require them to be quiet. I interact with them and yet do not disrupt the game or my competitors. Others can do what they choose. At every tournament people cheer great shots and there are no objections, I hope to add more of that type of noise. Judge Simmons, Clark Spaulding with the New York Times, what do you think of all this. Well Clark, Cole is very mature and works hard both on the course and in school. He fights for what he wants and negotiations were at times intense. Mr. Palmer helped me realize that a son doesn't always agree with the plans a mother has for him. Cole I'm John Skirtich with Golf Magazine, you haven't mentioned your stepbrother Mike. Why is that and will his position with the USGA impact you? Well John, Mike will be here sometime Friday and I haven't mentioned him as he isn't here. We are very close and talk every day. His USGA gig will not impact me in anyway as I'm in the event this year. Trust me, I expect no quarter and Mike will give none, I earn my way, enough said. Cole Noel Ross from the LA Times, you made quite an impression at Pebble do you think at the upcoming open you will be in contention? Well Noel, on Thursday on the first tee I will be but after that anything is possible. Understand it won't be the same course it was when I was there. The course will be set up differently and it will be much more difficult. That's the way it is at every Open. Cole, if I may have a follow up. Cole shrugged and said that might start a trend but sure. Cole you are dressed very differently for this event that when you are playing, why is that. Cole smiled and said well on the course, I want every one to know who I am md I don't want to wear the same shirt that someone else has on. The dress for today is a shout out to the people at Oakmont who have helped especially the Head Pro, Bob nd my Coach Todd McNiff. Guys, I'll take one more question as I have to get lose for a practice round. Then Cole said Mr. Dulac, I'll end this where I started do you have another question? Cole, what is the strongest part of your game? Cole thought for a second and said, there are two parts my preparation and my putting. Thanks and I'll see you on the course. With that mom, dad and Cole departed. ESPN went back to the studio and they somehow had film of Cole and his swing which they had a big time instructor analyze. The conclusion was if the swing holds up under pressure this young man will be a star. In my office we all chatted and I thought Cole had done an excellent job. I looked at Trey and said dude you want to see Oakmont? His entire expression changed and he said, absolutely. With that we simply went on our way. Thanks for the notes and for staying with the story. This is a long one, enjoy Oh, please consider a donation to nifty.