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By noon, Gene Hallman knew this wasn't going to be just another day at the golf course.
"We had already parked more cars than we did all day Thursday last year," said Hallman, executive director of the Regions Charity Classic.
When it was over, an estimated crowd of 16,750 showed up at Ross Bridge on a picture-perfect day for the Regions Charity Classic Charter Telephone Pro-Am to see any number of American idols - including the current American Idol, Birmingham native Taylor Hicks.
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And three hours later, when it was Hicks' turn to go, the crowd looked like it might have been the biggest of the day. A Hoover policeman who has worked security for the tournament for years said it was the largest gallery for a single person since Joe Namath played two years ago.
"Last year, we estimated 8,200 here for Thursday," Hallman said. "This year, we more than doubled that."
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According to Hicks, who pulled a harmonica out of his pocket and played a quick tune after his thunderous first tee reception, hitting that first shot of the day was more nerve-wracking than his next big gig, appearing on the season finale of "American Idol" Tuesday.
"That No. 1 tee shot is tough," Hicks said. "That's a lot more pressure than going back to the `American Idol' stage."
For the record, Hicks' first shot was a beauty, right down the middle and just short of the tee shot hit by touring pro Jay Haas.
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THIS PART MELTED MY HEART!!! HE IS SUCH A GOOD GOOD MAN!!! WAY TO GO TAY!!!!!
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But it was Hicks who seemed to have the most fun, finding himself featured in a tournament that he'd had to sneak in to watch just two years ago.
"The thing about being inside the ropes is to try to make a positive impact on people," he said. "I got that chance when I gave my harmonica to a child out there with cancer. I signed it and gave it to him, and he asked me what it was. I told him to blow into it, and when he did, you should have seen his eyes light up.
"Who knows what that could lead to? But that's when you realize the impact you can have on people."
You know, there is so much hate and evil in this
world.
And everytime I turn around, Taylor is making
someone happy, by touching their lives, with
a look, a handshake, a smile, a laugh, and
even a signed harp given to a little boy. Prolly
changed that boys whole outlook on things.
HE CAN PLAY AN INSTRUMENT!!
He'll NEVER let that thing go.
I'll guarUNtee it.
Thanks for posting this, Chris
*wipes tear from eye*
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