Putters  |  Riviera CC  |  Pacific Palisades, CA  |  Nissan Open  |  2004

This photo was inspired by a conversation shortly before my trip to Riviera with my friend and neighbor Gene McClure, a longtime USGA Rules Official and current member of The Executive Committee.  I had asked him about some of the intriguing things he had seen behind the scenes at golf tournaments, an insider's perspective if you will.  He relayed a story about seeing Arnold Palmer sort through a trunk full of brand new clubs at a tournament, and how it was amazing to see all the clubs the pros had at their disposal. 

This was one of the first things I saw upon entering the grounds of Riviera.  It's as if they knew I was coming and had set up this display of putters as a still-life just for me.  The putting green is perched high above the 18th green, so the backdrop creates a dramatic sense of depth.  I was primarily interested in player portraits at that time, so I credit this photo for installing a new curiosity for the peculiar or unexpected image.  I certainly wasn't interested at all in landscapes at that time either, which is why I so badly want to return to Riviera with my camera.  I know there is so much that I failed to see and capture the first time. 

Oh yeah, I'd like to play there too.

view more photos from the 2004 Nissan Open at Riviera