Tracy Dirks, marketing director for the Principal Charity Classic, was dressed for the occasion.
She wore a black rainsuit and pink boots. It was that kind of day at Glen Oaks Country Club, when the f irst of three days of pro-ams got off to a slushy start. Months of planning and detail work come down to a cooperative weather forecast. On Tuesday, rain that was good for the crops was bad for golf. The conditions were the same to the north in Polk City, where 32 players were challenged by the elements and the Tournament Club of Iowa course during qualifying for the Principal Charity Classic. Three spots were up for grabs. And Mike Hulbert never had to tee off. He was on the first tee when he was informed that he got into the field as the first alternate after Scott Hoch dropped out due to a wrist injury. Getting the three spots into the Champions Tour event were Russ Cochran, Dick Mast and John Adams. Cochran and Mast shot 7-under 64s. Adams had a 66, then had to eliminate Iowa native Dave Rummells on the second hole of their sudden-death playoff.
According to the forecast, it looks like Tracy Dirks will have her pink boots back on Wednesday morning.