Honorary Observers live the dream in first round at Heritage

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Brian Coble (left) with Jerry Stuckey

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. -- Imagine standing inside the huddle when the quarterback calls the play or sitting on the bench in the dugout while the manager flashes signals. That's similar to the experience that Brian Coble and Jerry Stuckey got to enjoy at The Heritage on Thursday afternoon.

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The two men won an "Honorary Observer" contest for the PGA TOUR event at Harbour Town. They had the opportunity to walk inside the ropes, an area that's typically off limits to everyone except players, officials and media members.

Coble and Stuckey seemed like a couple of volunteers standing near the back of the first tee. They looked sharp in their white shirts and blue hats, both complete with Heritage logos. And when the three of Trevor Immelman, Heath Slocum and D.J. Trahan hit their tee shots at No. 1, Coble and Stuckey were right behind them, ready to walk the most interesting 18 holes of their lives.

Coble and Stuckey both have roots in Columbia, S.C. Stuckey still lives there, while Coble has relocated in Helena, Mont., but didn't mind traveling a couple thousand miles to take advantage of the opportunity.

"It's exciting to be so close to the players," Stuckey said.

Both men play golf, but neither professed to being an accomplished player. Coble said he's a 20 handicap and Stuckey said he plays bogey golf. And while neither man is used to getting around the course without a motorized cart, both doggedly walked all 18 holes with the three professionals.

"I'll tell you what," Stuckey said with a laugh. "These guys play a game that I'm not familiar with."

The two men stepped away from their threesome on the ninth hole just long enough to get a sandwich, but were quickly back for the back nine. They were looking forward to meeting the players after the round and perhaps getting a few autographs.

"This has been a great experience," Coble said. "To see the personal interaction, it's been great."