WATCHING THE WATCHERS

At any Open, the spectators are often as much fun to watch as the players—and a lot easier to spot. There are all kinds of characters in a golfing gallery, and on the following four pages Artist Mike Ramus presents a typical assortment. Observe, for instance, the early bird. With his folding chair, thermos of coffee and morning sports section he has arrived at his vantage point by the 16th green, even though the first group of players will not tee off for another three hours. He will remain there doggedly throughout the long day, leaving only when the last putt on 16 has dropped. Then there is the know-it-all with the town-crier complex. "Casper just birdied six," he'll announce to anyone who happens to be within 10 feet of him. The town crier also hangs out around the main scoreboard, full of shrewd observations such as, "Notice how much trouble 14 is giving them today. It's the cross wind." Sprinkled about the course are disillusioned ladies who thought they were being invited to a flower show and who wonder what kind of club the golfers use to break par with. And there are always those spectators who are present not so much to watch golf as to follow two golfers—Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. No need to check the scoreboard to see how Arnie and Jack are doing. Just listen.

SEVEN ILLUSTRATIONS