2011 Shell Houston Open

[kennay92]

This saturday im going to the SHO and im pretty pumped as it will be my first pga tournament to attend. Cant wait to get to watch the pros in person. Just wanted to share, is all

[plugged]

It is not one of the better tourneys on the Tour and the course has some significant deficiencies, but it is nonetheless a PGA tournament so you should have fun.

[Harmonious]

Some ideas:  1) Spend some time around the driving range and putting/chipping areas.  You'll be amazed at the quality of shots, and the rhythm that the tour pros possess.  2) Follow a single group for several holes to see how they maneuver their ball around the course, and how they react to adversity.  3) Plant yourself at a strategic location that is close to several greens and tees, then walk back and forth to see a number of players play the same holes.

You'll have a great time.  Have fun!

[kennay92]

  plugged said:

Originally Posted by plugged

It is not one of the better tourneys on the Tour and the course has some significant deficiencies, but it is nonetheless a PGA tournament so you should have fun.

I wouldnt care if they were playing on a muni that cost 10$ to play on... Just getting to watch them hit their shots is more than enough for me :)

[Harmonious]

  kennay92 said:

Originally Posted by kennay92

I wouldnt care if they were playing on a muni that cost 10$ to play on... Just getting to watch them hit their shots is more than enough for me :)

I've been to "better" tournaments, like the Players, and to "regular" events, like New Orleans, Reno-Tahoe, Las Vegas and San Diego Opens, as well as Champions and Nationwide events.  Each one is different, but to my thinking, the regular tournaments allow you better access to see the players hit their shots, practice before and after the round, maybe even get a chance to meet and/or talk to a real live PGA Tour player.

Example: Last year's New Orleans tournament had Friday's round partially rained out, so everyone had to return first thing Saturday morning to their previous position.  I showed up bright and early to follow the group my son was working with as a walking scorekeeper.  There were the three players (Duval, Snedecker, Herron), three caddies, the sign boy, my son, and me.  I was the entire gallery from about the 5th hole until the 10th, when we picked up a dozen or so people who wanted to follow Duval.  All day long, at most there were no more than 30 people walking along.  I got a front row view of every shot, including putts.  To me, that's how to watch a tournament.

Yes, if you want to see Tiger, and stand 20 rows deep in the gallery, by all means the "better" tournaments are the way to go.  But the regular events are great for watching the players up close.

[mattshaver]

I'll be going tomorrow.  It will be my first PGA Tour event, just like the OP.  Really psyched that Dustin Johnson is playing.

[senorchipotle]

  plugged said:

Originally Posted by plugged

It is not one of the better tourneys on the Tour and the course has some significant deficiencies, but it is nonetheless a PGA tournament so you should have fun.

thumbs down... the more prestigious tourneys are full of phone and camera nazis.

[JayMc]

SHO is a lot of fun.  I've been several times and always enjoyed it.  The crowds aren't too bad so you have good access to see what's going on and can move around.  The players will be less stressed since it's not a major.  We spent about an hour one year chatting with VJ on the practice green after his round.  Go and have a blast!