Bay Hill

Another weekend. Another journey to an alternate universe.  This time to the Arnold Palmer Invitational version of the PGA Tour. This trip was not as far as the trip to the races - either geographically (the Bay Hill Golf Course is about an hour away, near Universal) or mentally. I have actually played golf!
The "trip" was the difference between golf played at the professional level and my level - definitely duffer. I guess when you're playing for real money it makes a difference in how you approach the game.
A couple obvious comparisons between NHRA and PGA.
Volume - the PGA is at the extreme opposite end of the noise spectrum. No need for the ear protectors here.We spent most of our bleacher time at the first tee box, watching the leaders tee off. Each golf pair was assigned a pair of honorable observers, whose names I had to strain to hear, as announcers spoke without benefit of microphones or sound systems.  Attendants are stationed liberally throughout the course - raising their arms and paddle with each golfers' stroke - alerting the onlookers to hush. Violators were on the receiving end of a threatening gaze. I had to wonder, if the talking persisted, would they actually have used their paddle? Spectators best keep their eyes open and their mouths shuts.
Pace - Speed is the goal at NHRA; accuracy in PGA. On the excitement-adrenalin scale, golf--1; racing--10.
Economic impact - Golf, being a bit more subtle sport, the economic impact was a little more difficult for me to see. Obviously, the real estate surrounding the course is pricey, despite losing value in the recession. Being the people-watcher that I am I took in more information about the economic impact by assessing the attire of the crowd. Definitely more upscale than NRHA. Plenty of Izod, L.L.Bean, and Ralph Lauren. Golf's reputation as a wealthy man's sport may be well-deserved. Certainly, serious golfers need to be prepared for a significant cash outlay for club memberships, green fees, and a decent set of clubs.
Our tickets were complementary so I don't know the impact of the gate. I understand that ticket sales were consideraby less than when Tiger Woods appears in the tournament. (Another matter. Enough ink has been spilled over him; I'll pass on that conversation.)  According to the 2005 Golf Economy Report, the golf economy was valued at $76 billion, and generated a total of $195 billion in indirect and induced impacts, such as hospitality and tourism. Revenues from golf facilities actually outpaced such popular sports as baseball, basketball, football, and hockey. No wonder the industry is worried about Tiger taking an extended leave of absence.
Professional golf may not be the most exciting spectator sport, but it's hard to beat spending a 72-degree day on a beautifully manicured course, enjoying free food, and getting an up-close look at a pro's game.