Final Takes from the Ally Challenge

     The first annual Ally Challenge was a success. The PGA Champions Tour has a home run on its hands. Players who were veterans of the Tour a decade or more ago all said how much they enjoyed their visit to Warwick Hills Country Club.

They mentioned the course, the crowds, the sponsor and the nostalgia of playing a course that was a staple during the prime of their careers. 

In no particular order-

Concert- The Big and Rich concert was a total smash. By the estimation of those on hand, there was north of 15,000 concert goers to enjoy the entertainment and stylings of Big and Rich. The people behaved and the music was the right tone to bring the family. Not sure how the driving range looked afterward after the fans enjoyed the experience. Hopefully the membership can use the range soon. 

Big Names- Wow! The tournament drew nearly every top name of players that regularly play the Tour. Fred Couples, John Daly, Rocco Mediate and others signed up quick when the tournament was announced last fall. Bernhard Langer is the truth and while he did not have a great tournament, watching the professionalism of him working with the media, fans and his practice habits were noticed. 

These kids had an autograph experience they will never forget

Crowd- I heard that north of 60,000 tickets were sold for the tournament. While I do not think that the crowd totaled that, it was a great start to the tournament that will build as the word of mouth factor comes into play. A few suggestions. I love the junior clinic that was held for the kids. Perhaps next year, the tournament organizers could invite high school players (golfers) with an offer so they could possibly take the tournament in. Also, the Grand Blanc School District closed this year on Friday. Not sure if there was a special offer for the kids in the district but a kid gets in free on Friday when accompanied by a parent is a great way to build traffic for the weekend. By the way, I saw five Grand Blanc kids on Friday get every player in the fields autograph. It was like shooting fish in a barrel. 

Great sponsor- A brief survey of the players said how much they appreciated Allied Bank and McLaren Medical for stepping up to the plate. People do not realize this but not only do they supply the purse for the players, but they spend quite a bit of money on setting up stands, tournament infrastructure and things I can only imagine. They have made a three year commitment. Hopefully this works out to continue the tournament well past 2020. Check them out when you are looking to do business. The touch to invite military veterans free of charge was awesome. 

Warwick Hills Staff- I really also need to add volunteers. Between the Board of Directors, Warwick President Chip Powell who were on hand and visible, PGA Pro Doug Brody and membership who were involved in every step of this tournament, they did a great job hosting the event. Warwick owes no one anything. They did a great job with the Buick Open for 50 years and could have lived off of that legacy. For them, they have waited for this moment for nine years. Well, it paid off and they should be proud of the work. For the members, giving up crucial weeks of their golf season is not easy, but they pulled it off.  The volunteers were motivated and friendly. People will want to come back next year as patrons felt good about their experiences.

Players friendly- Yes, the players were friendly.  The players were gracious and acknowledged fans during their five day stay at Warwick. The autograph seekers got their merchandise signed if they were standing along the ropes. Many players said they wanted to hear the loud cheering on 17 if it was respectful. 

I would like to thank Rocco for the cigar

PGA Tour media staff- Wow! Maureen, Tom and Chris were awesome. The spreads each day were very good and to enjoy our dining with the players coming through was pretty cool. 

New date- As of this posting, I understand the Ally Challenge will move to August but this is not confirmed. 

Any thoughts? Please send them this way.