For those who attend tournaments...??

[alexlax12]

I would have to call myself an amatuer when it comes to attending PGA events. So far I've only been to a couple, US open at Shinnecock, PGA at Baltusrol, and a handful of Buick Classics(now Barclays) to name a few. I've experimented with techniques on achieving the full tournament experience. I've followed my favorite players their whole round, I've found a spot in a grandstand on finnishing greens and stayed there all day, and I've picked a par 5 tee box and sat their all day to see everyone hit their drivers. What do you find is the best way to get the most out of the experience??

[LarryK]

I've only attended three professional tournaments (one each: PGA, Champions Tour, and LPGFA) so I'm no expert either.

But for me moving around lets me see as much of the golf course as possible (that's important too) and as many different pros. Sometimes I will "leapfrog" holes and wait for the same group to come through. Other times, I will watch four or five groups come through and then move on.

I don't think I would ever camp out in one spot for the entire day, however.

[iacas]

I've always followed this schedule:

Monday: walk around the course, learn the shortcuts and look for good vantage points, take pictures of the few golfers who are there.
Tuesday: walk around the course taking pictures of as many players as possible, fine-tune your plans for viewing on Thursday
Wednesday: practice range day. Hang out there, get autographs, watch players hit balls. It's pro-am day so play on the course is usually dreadful.

Thursday: Pick an early good hole, whether it's greenside near a par 5 or near a par 3 or whatever, and sit near the green so you can watch the action. Ideal spot is where players leave the green, as sometimes you'll get a ball or a glove and it's usually a good spot anyway. When someone you like comes through (don't pick Tiger or you'll get lost in the crowd), follow his group for a few holes until you reach another exciting hole. Plop down and watch the rest of the field go through, and follow one of the last groups through to the finish.

Friday: See Thursday.

Saturday: I may follow one of the groups near the lead if I like both players or like one a lot, but typically I try to watch holes 1 and 2 with the early groups, holes 3 and 4 with some of the next few groups, etc. In other words, I work my way around the course sitting at two holes for two groups apiece, then following a group on the next hole, watching a group or two, following again, etc. This way you see every hole and every player, and the excitement only builds as you get towards the end of the course and closer to the leaders.

Sunday: Follow an early group from hole 1 to hole 9. Watch remaining players come through 9. Move to 18 green and watch players finish.

[alexlax12]

Wow! Erik it sounds like you have it down to a science. I'm definitely interested in your Sunday suggestion and will try it at the US open this year. Thanks.