Attending the Byron Nelson Championship vs The Colonial

[B-Con]

I'm considering attending either the HP Byron Nelson Championship in Irving, TX, or the Crowne Plaza Invitational at the Colonial in Fort Worth, TX, this year. They are held on consecutive weekends this month. Any opinions on which one would be better to attend? When is the list of players who will be attending the tournament made available?

If there are no significant distinguishing factors, I'll just pick the one that works best with my schedule.

[Chilli Dipper]

The Colonial generally attracts the stronger field, and is held on a superior venue, but as an older layout surrounded by a residential neighborhood, it's probably not as spectator-friendly as the Byron Nelson, which is held on a newly-renovated TPC course.

[uttexas]

Been to both. If I had one more tournament in DFW to go to before dying, it would be Colonial---better golf course, more character and history, respectful fans.
However, the Nelson has better sight lines for spectators, hotter women, and is closer to my house. D.A. Weibring certainly improved the TPC course and the condition of the greens, but I find that most TPC courses have a generic, homogenized appearance.

[BigTexGolfer]

I'm considering attending either the HP Byron Nelson Championship in Irving, TX, or the Crowne Plaza Invitational at the Colonial in Fort Worth, TX, this year. They are held on consecutive weekends this month. Any opinions on which one would be better to attend? When is the list of players who will be attending the tournament made available?

Colonial is the better venue to watch golf, and the Byron is the better place to people watch. The Nelson has turned into a party scheduled around a golf tournament. The Pavillion out there is a great place to hang out if you are young and single, and you can catch some good golf. The golf tournament is more the focus at the Colonial, but it is a hike over there from Frisco (I live there also).

[B-Con]

Thanks for all the feedback, guys. From looking at the Byron's website, it does indeed look like it emphasizes the young/party atmosphere. I'm far more interested in watching good golf. As per recommendation, I'm going to make the trek for the Colonial.

To those who've attended the Colonial: Any recommendations on which holes to observe?

To those who know: When the list of players gets announced for a tournament? I assume they've already sent out the invites, and they're either waiting for confirmations or simply haven't posted the list yet.

[Chilli Dipper]

Thanks for all the feedback, guys. From looking at the Byron's website, it does indeed look like it emphasizes the young/party atmosphere. I'm far more interested in watching good golf. As per recommendation, I'm going to make the trek for the Colonial.

The official field of a PGA Tour event is finalized the Friday prior to the start of the tournament. Each tournament's website should have information about which players have committed to the event already. All past champions of the Colonial are eligible to play in that event, but don't expect active over-50 winners (Watson, Price, Crenshaw, Lehman, Pavin, et. al.) to be in attendance: the Senior PGA Championship is being held in Denver that week.

In fact, here are the links to each tournament's commitment lists: HP Byron Nelson Championship (announcements of multiple commitments) Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial (full list of commitments)

[apex53]

Colonial is much easier to walk as a spectator... Old school course with greens close to the next tee... Best holes to sit and watch IMO are 9, 13, and 16... Good spot to catch several holes of action is on hill between 11 and 12... You can watch second shots on 11 and 12 as well as tee shots on 13 and 14 by walking no more than 100 yards... Also check out the Horrible Horseshoe (3,4,5)... You will see plenty of good looking ladies at both events... Just my thoughts, but I've only been going to Colonial since '76.

[DBeane]

The Colonial...for all the reasons that have been previously mentioned. However, if you can somehow network your way into Tommy Armour III's party the week of the Nelson...then go to that, I have heard they are epic.

[senorchipotle]

The Colonial...for all the reasons that have been previously mentioned. However, if you can somehow network your way into Tommy Armour III's party the week of the Nelson...then go to that, I have heard they are epic.

how the hell does this guy have money to throw these parties? he hasn't won a tournament since 1976.

[B-Con]

The official field of a PGA Tour event is finalized the Friday prior to the start of the tournament. Each tournament's website should have information about which players have committed to the event already. All past champions of the Colonial are eligible to play in that event, but don't expect active over-50 winners (Watson, Price, Crenshaw, Lehman, Pavin, et. al.) to be in attendance: the Senior PGA Championship is being held in Denver that week.

Thanks for the links.

Colonial is much easier to walk as a spectator... Old school course with greens close to the next tee... Best holes to sit and watch IMO are 9, 13, and 16... Good spot to catch several holes of action is on hill between 11 and 12... You can watch second shots on 11 and 12 as well as tee shots on 13 and 14 by walking no more than 100 yards... Also check out the Horrible Horseshoe (3,4,5)... You will see plenty of good looking ladies at both events... Just my thoughts, but I've only been going to Colonial since '76.

Only since '76? What good does newb advice do me?

Just kidding. Thanks, for the tips.

[apex53]

enjoy the tournament

[RC]

Colonial is a special place and it gets tough quickly on 3, 4, and 5. Go to 3 and see where the pros hit their drives. The bunker on the left has been moved back to make it harder and only the real bombers will cut much off this one's dogleg left. 5 is a legendary golf hole. Enjoy.

p.s. Byron Nelson is my all time favorite golfer and I've attended that tournament when he was still alive. Just seeing and talking to Mr. Nelson made his tournament very special. So, if you choose the Nelson, I'm sure it will be a great experience as well because the history of that tournament has always been that it is very well supported and has probably lead the PGA in its charitable contributions (if I recall correctly.)

[DBeane]

how the hell does this guy have money to throw these parties? he hasn't won a tournament since 1976.

He has won close to 10 million on tour, he turned pro in 81 and his last win was in 03, not to mention he is the grandson of the Silver Scott, they had a fairly successfull club company for a while in the 80's and 90's. You must be thinking of someone else.