This past President’s Cup weekend in San Francisco, I set myself a fun challenge: to high-five as many celebrities as possible. The event was a showcase of America’s top golfers competing against the world’s best, excluding Europe. It was a thrilling spectacle, and yes, I did get to high-five big names like Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and even Michael Jordan—guess I won’t be washing my hands anytime soon!
The Diverse Crowd at the Golf Event
The President’s Cup really highlighted the broad appeal of golf. Over 30,000 fans gathered at Harding Park, and the vibe was incredible, especially around the 15th hole. The area was lined with corporate tents from big names like Mastercard, filled with people enjoying the event in style. It was great to see that these gatherings didn’t include companies that had needed recent bailouts, so it felt like a win for the regular folks.
Three Key Takeaways From the Event
1. Sports Bring Us Together
At the event, Michael Jordan, despite his fame and wealth, was there just like the rest of us, volunteering to help out the team. He was running errands and assisting wherever needed. When I asked him for an autograph, he politely declined, saying he was busy working—a classy way to fulfill his duties.
2. Be Flexible with Event Tickets
You don’t always need a ticket in advance. There are always scalpers around, ready to sell at decreasing prices as the event starts. My friends managed to get into the President’s Cup much cheaper by buying tickets from scalpers after the event had begun. It’s a good reminder that being flexible can save you a lot of money.
3. Don’t Go to an Event Hungry
At any big event like this, food and drink prices at concession stands will be steep. I learned it’s best to come prepared with your own snacks and water. This not only keeps you from spending too much but also lets you enjoy the event without hunger pangs or thirst distracting you.
Experiencing and Sharing Unforgettable Moments
This weekend wasn’t just about watching golf; it was about creating memories that last. Standing next to Tiger Woods as he made a crucial shot was unforgettable. It’s moments like these that remind me why San Francisco, with its ability to attract such high-profile events, is such a great place to live.
These experiences enrich our lives far more than material things ever could. They give us stories to share, like the ones about seeing Michael Jordan volunteer or Tiger Woods clinch a victory, that can enhance our relationships and enrich our conversations.
This weekend reinforced a simple truth: investing in experiences, especially in sports, pays off not just in fun but in real social dividends.
