PGA Fans Flock to AAC for Chance to See Golf Pros

Monday was the beginning of a full week of golf, and fans from everywhere began making their way to the Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek to get a glimpse -- and maybe an autograph or two -- from some of the world's top professional golfers.

Collecting autographs is a passion for many in the Atlanta metro area, who were taking advantage of golf's elite being in town on Monday.

Patch encountered four lads who had followed golfer Jim Furyk on his way from the putting green to the practice range, and the affable golfer accomodated their requests, signing everything from posters, hats and flags.

Bruce Murphy, a soon-to-be 8-year-old from Johns Creek; Connor Sewell, 10, from Buckhead, and Sandy Springs residents William Mitcham, 11, and David Herndon, 10, eagerly showed off their collection of signatures.

"Mr. Furyk is one of our favorite golfers," said Herndon as his three friends all nodded their heads in agreement. "Look at my hat," said Mitcham proudly showing off his golf hat full of scribbled autographs. Murphy, who turns 8 in a few days, and Sewell both had flags to show off the autographs they had collected.

Patch caught up with Furyk, one of the top U.S. players in the field. Ranked 25th in the world, Furyk, who is often recognized for his loopy swing, had just finished a practice round on the Highlands Course. While making his way to the practice putting green, he stopped to accomodate a number of fans clamoring for his autograph.

Furyk graciously signed everything from golf hats and flags to programs and putter covers before heading to practice his putting. He pulled out two long-shafted putters, both seemed nearly identical. Furyk explained: "They're the same putter, just different shafts."

So Patch asked is he is considering changing putters for the tournament. "He'll play with one of them," said his caddy Fluff Cowen. No other details were forthcoming, but from our observations, either putter should do - he was sinking his putts.

On Tuesday, there should be plenty more opportunities to obtain autographs from some of golf's elite. Expected to play a practice round are Luke Donald, currently ranked No. 1 in the world; South Africa's Charl Schwartzel, this year's Masters Tournament winner; and fan favorite Phil Mickelson.