Tens of thousands of fans lined the fairways of Del Paso Country Club today, watching the best senior golfers in the world play the first round of the U.S. Senior Open.
Martin Wolf of Sacramento jumped at the chance to follow golfing legend Tom Watson for a day.
"He's always been a favorite of mine. I've always watched him. They're playing a little faster today than I thought they would."
Wolf would be rewarded for his choice. Watson shot 4-under 66 and was the leader halfway through the first round.
With temperatures in the low 90's by noon, it was little wonder the early groups were eager to get out of the heat.
While some fans followed their favorites, Bill Louie decided to let the golfers come to him. He and friend Tom Lee found a cool spot under a large tree near the 9th green.
"As long as we're in the shade we're fine...and close to concession we're fine."
There are fans outside, and inside, the ropes.
If you park at Cal Expo and take the bus, you will be met by volunteers who will take your tickets, check your six-by-six-inch backpack and give you directions.
Volunteers are perhaps the ultimate fans. They pay a minimum of $125 to help out. In return they get a purple shirt, a white hat, windbreaker and passes on their off days. They get access to an air-conditioned villa if they pay $250.
Dan Spector is chairman of the event.
"Sacramento was only the second community in the last ten years to fill the volunteer ranks, and not only did we fill the volunteer ranks, but we did it 60-days before the tournament.
There are 2,700 volunteers and 140,000 people expected to attend this week.
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