Kevin Chappell slam dunks it for eagle at DEAN & DELUCA
Behind the scenes: What it takes to put on the Dean & Deluca Invitational
Joe Trahan, WFAA 11:39 PM. CDT May 29, 2016
FORT WORTH -- Now that the biggest golf stage in the world has completed it"s two-week run in North Texas, here"s quick quiz:
What do the numbers 286, 430, 1,500 and 130,000 have in common?
Colonial Country Club, and what it takes to put on the Dean & Deluca Invitational.
Upwards of 130,000 fans took it all in at Colonial during the week. But what does it take to put on this touring golf show?
Dean & Deluca Invitational tournament director Michael Tothe gave News 8 a backstage pass.
"There"s like a separate sort of underbelly all happening behind the curtain like the Wizard of Oz that makes everything look great out here," says Tothe.
Back of house, there are trailers and trucks, and nothing looks ready for primetime or to be seen by the public. But what it lacks in looks, it more than makes up for in terms of productivity.
The pros walk during the tournament, but carts are vital. It takes about 430 each day.
Players, officials, and vendors need every one of them to get around Colonial"s massive grounds.
At each event, the PGA Tour creates it"s own hand-held radio network. There"s communication all over the course and it takes a ton of radios to keep everyone connected.
"It varies on the size of the event," says communications technician Matt Smith, "this event since it is such a good size, it"s about 300 radios, 286 to be specific."
The real star is a 50-foot antenna providing 10-miles radius of connectivity.
There"s one element you must consider more than most when playing golf in Texas in May.
Tour meteorologist Stewart Williams has been on the job for 22 years. And just like during weather delays in the second and final rounds, there"s no golf, until he says it"s safe.
"Lightning is the number one concern out here," says Williams. "That"s my number one job to keep the players and the spectators safe."
Here"s a number you may not have guessed. 1,500 volunteers serve as the back-bone of this event.
From marshals, to sign-holders, to cart drivers - volunteers do it all.
"Its a well-oiled machine down," says Tothe, standing in volunteer headquarters where hundreds of helpers are grabbing lunch during a delay in the action.
Then there"s the biggest logistical element of the tournament - feeding the 100-thousand plus patrons, and everyone else here at Colonial this week.
22 concession stands, 80 private venues, and then all of those volunteers need food and drink.
On tour, of the golfers, they like to say,"these guys are good,"
Now you know the army behind them isn"t half bad either.
Copyright 2016 WFAA
Source: http://www.wfaa.com/sports/what-it-takes-to-put-on-the-dean-and-deluca-invitational/221619336
