Attending PGA Champ. W/ Kids - Your Opinion Needed

[lugnut33]

A big thanks upfront for any advice you can give me.

I want to take my two kids (girls ages 13 & 10) to the PGA Championships at Whistling Straights (Wisconsin). I was thinking to take them either on Tuesday or Wednesday for a practice round so they can take pictures and (if they want) ask for autographs (can't take pictures or ask for autographs during the real rounds). However, I've never been to a practice round for any tourney and maybe it's not worth doing? Have any of you went to a practice round and had a good time?

From a price standpoint it's cheaper to go on Tues. rather than Wed., but I'm not sure if any of the players will actually be there on Tuesday? The other great thing about keeping my costs down is if the girls want to leave early I won't feel bad about spending the money to go because with the purchase of an adult ticket my kids get in free.

Also, since it's a practice round, what time do you think we should get to the course?

Anything I should definitely bring along (blanket to sit on obviously)?

Any tips on getting autographs (I was thinking of making a cool autograph book for the players to sign and where I could add photos)? Honestly, I'm not much of an autograph person, but I look at it as an opportunity for my kids to get to know the players and might make them more interested in playing golf.

Again, thanks for you suggestions.

[clubchamp]

Practice rounds are a blast and the perfect place if you are trying to get autographs. The only downside is it's all based on players practice routines. You might not get to see all the top players on the course depending what day you go and what time. They will most likely be at the range and putting green so I would say you would get to at least see everyone. Have fun

[CG031]

Practice rounds are, well, practice rounds. It's not as fun (IMO) to go to practice rounds as it is the real thing when the players are really focused.

However, for kids it can be really cool. Last year I went to The Barclay's practice round which was my first practice round, and 2nd overall PGA tournament. I didn't enjoy it as much as the regular round, but it was cool getting about 20 autographs and a lot of pictures of the players. But, at the same time, guys didn't always play their balls out, they'd drop like 4 balls down on the green and putt for 10-15 minutes on each hole...it got kind of boring to see no competitive spirit or anything out there.

It's more fun to go Thur - Sun but I think the kids may really enjoy the practice round.

[lugnut33]

Thanks for the advice so far.

Bumping to see if anybody else wants to chime in.

[WUTiger]

Just a logistics item: Make sure the girls and you drink some water the evening before, and then again before you leave for the course. If you can build up a little hydration reserve, it'll make for a more pleasant day. And, get some water and a sports drink or two while at the course.

As far as tee times: go online to the tournament site and see if you can find out the schedules for the practice rounds. If you can walk at least nine holes with one group, you'll see the different things each golfer check outs on the course as they play along. One may hit chip shots with a hybrid on every hole, another may hand roll a ball the long axis of the green to see overall break patterns, etc.

For the future: If any major amateur events come to town, the admission to the course is often free.

[sasquatcho69]

I love going to practice rounds. i love to just watch pros on the range and watch them hit and see what they're working on and any drills they are doing. i figure they're the best people to learn from. but unless your girls are into just watching people hit golf balls or putt for a long time then idk how interested they will be. last time i followed john daly on his practice round for a few holes and that was kind of fun and i got a ball that he was using that he threw into the rough and i later got him to sign it.

[Shripe]

All good insights as to whether or not to go to a practice round. I just got 2 free grounds tickets to the Wednesday practice round, and I'm not sure whether I'll sell them or go yet (considering it's a good drive away as well). It was nice to get a free $100 value for attending the Play Golf America day in Madison. :P

[danieldrieberg]

see my reply to the other PGA Whistling Straights thread

http://thesandtrap.com/forum/threads...-1st-PGA-Event