City of Big Shoulders

I was in Chicago for the 2006 PGA Championship, but never made it to Medinah. Instead, I hung out between the Tribune Building and the Chicago River in front of a giant leaderboard erected by the Royal Bank of Scotland.

In moments of radical thought, I often criticize banks and major corporations for chasing profits at the expense of the greater community. But I have to hand it to RBS, which created in the heart of the City of Big Shoulders the finest off-course golf experience I’ve ever seen. And it was completely free, with no money down and zero percent interest.

In addition to the scoreboard, replete with attractive “ring-girl” working the numbers manually, RBS set up hitting bays, and provided clubs (Nicklaus woods and irons straight from Costco) and balls (Maxfli was the only brand I remember) for office workers heading home. A temporary putting green held court in the middle of the plaza, testing the skills of tourists and conventioneers.

Two massive televisions broadcasting CBS’s live coverage of the 88th PGA Championship flanked the scoreboard. The temperature outside was room, with a slight breeze. The air sweetly and nimbly recommended itself. The only slight blemish to the scene was the insufferable commentary of Lanny Watkins. But I can’t blame RBS for that. (Oh yeah, the rubber tee in my hitting bay was leaning to the right, throwing off my timing off ever-so slightly.)

My time at the RBS-sponsored golf event will be remembered as the highlight of my trip to Chicago, which is a lot more fun that Upton Sinclair made it seem in his classic “The Jungle.”

By the way, Eldrick "Tiger" Woods is leading the tournament as I write on Saturday night.