Some saw the recent snow storms that swept the western half of the nation as a mere annoyance, delaying travel and closing schools, but ultimately maybe providing a white Thanksgiving. But no one initially foresaw the havoc that this storm system would wreak on the Inaugural Bay-Area Championship (IBC). The event was all set for Tuesday, November 23, 2010, but as the day approached, it was clear that a good portion of the competitors would be unable to make it to the course, due to the severe weather conditions. The absence of Edward Archibald, due to his LDS mission in Mexico, was known in advance, but the new absences were something that caught the tournament organizers off guard.
Twitter feeds and Facebook pages quickly saturated with public outrage that some AGA tour favorites might not make it to this major tournament. Fearing a massive revolt on their long beloved brand, the AGA tour brass decided that something must be done. An emergency AGA tour board meeting was held, and here is where the story gets interesting. The storm not only prevented the players from arriving at the venue, but also limited the arrival of board members. Unfortunately, the AGA tour by-laws do not account for this occurrence. It was ultimately decided by the portion of the board which had managed to brave blizzard and flood to arrive in Palo Alto that the circumstances required immediate action, they would have to act on behalf of the entire tour.
The next 48 hours were filled with both dread and great anticipation. What would the board decide? How would the public react? What would the media covering the AGA tour say? What would this decision mean for the history of this venerable golf organization, second only to the Royal and Ancient in some public eyes? Only time would tell, and so we waited in the dreary rain, outside the temporary board meetinghouse, with bated breath, half fearing the moment would never come, half fearing it would.
But time of course did not stand still, and eventually the head of the acting board faced the array of microphones and recording devices that awaited only his voice. His statement in its entirety:
After long and thoughtful consideration, the AGA tour board has decided that the 2010 IBC will be held, providing that there are at least half as many competitors as an average past IBC. While we feel for those competitors who are unable to make it, ultimately this board cannot punish those players who did find a way to be here. We also understand that the quality of golf, especially at an AGA major tournament, is critical to maintaining the interest and support of our loyal fanbase. The compromise, requiring half as many competitors in years past, was only reached after much consideration of the consequences. We feel that this compromise strikes the appropriate balance between reasonableness and competition.
At long last the tournament could begin. The required number of competitors arrived and registered and the first group teed off in the rainy early morning. The wet and rainy conditions made the course very difficult to play, and it was clear that some among the field had their thoughts too much with their fellow competitors who didn't make it. Ultimately, Chris Archibald prevailed, sinking some key putts along the way, and impressively birdieing the tough par 3 fourth, giving him some space from the rest of the field. However, it was a humble Chris that spoke with the press following the trophy presentation. "I feel like there might always be an asterisk next to this victory in the record books, regardless of what the committee's decision was. I think I played well enough to beat most of the tour today, but we will never know, will we. I am happy to win."
The competitors that didn't make it had mixed feelings about the result. "Sure, he won, but would he have beaten me? It stinks to not be able to defend my title. Some birthday present." quipped a snow-bound Thom Archibald from his now igloo in Provo. "I applaud the tough decisions made by the committee, but it will always leave a sour taste in my mouth." added Jim Archibald, " Maybe we need to amend the by-laws."
The years ahead can only tell how bold the asterisk will be, or whether it will be there at all, but for now, Chris is IBC champion once again.
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