Going to US Open

[montru]

I have booked my 2012 US Open tickets. I am taking my 14yr old daughter, we are going to the practice day on the Wednesday and then grounds tickets on the Thurs-Sun.

I have never been to a PGA event before, is there anything I should be looking to do or not  do while we are there?

Can we take food/drink etc into the grounds or do we have to buy everything there?

What is the parking arrangments. do they have central area parking with a shuttle bus?

Sorry for all the questions, but I just want to get it right. It is my daughters birthday on the Sunday.

[jamo]

Sorry for all the questions, but I just want to get it right. It is my daughters birthday on the Sunday.

And it's father's day.

[montru]

Originally Posted by jamo

And it's father's day.

Oh yeh, I forgot about that, I was more excited about getting it all booked for her birthday. Lol

[Vegasgolfer]

Hey, I also will be there.

as for parking, I think you park at candlestick and take the shuttle.  I'm assuming is free, based off my experience at a PGA championship.  Food and bev was not allowed except for bottled water with the label removed.  Also, no cell phones through the gate.

They should send you some info to your mailing address.

Enjoy!

[k-troop]

Parking was definitely not free at the Open at Torrey in 08, and you couldn't bring anything in except for maybe water, unopened.  Expect insane crowds, very little watching of actual golf, and getting nearly trampled if you get within 3 holes of Tiger.  But it's also a pretty cool experience, and Olympic is awesome.

We're still debating whether it's worth it.  I think the tournament is going to be so good this year that I'll actually want to watch it (on TV).

[mchepp]

In 98 we parked and took a shuttle. I can't remember where we parked but it was not a long bus ride. Crowds will be pretty crazy but Olympic has some great viewing spots because of all the hills.

[zeg]

You should get a pamphlet with the details on the rules, but I think it's been covered above. For Pebble Beach a couple years back, the parking was most definitely free. When you get picked up, be sure to ask the bus driver how to identify your lot/stop on the way out!

No cameras, no cell phones. Bring a hat and sunscreen, maybe a couple small, portable chairs (or buy them onsite; they're expensive, but do have a US Open logo fwiw).

[turtleback]

Originally Posted by montru

I have booked my 2012 US Open tickets. I am taking my 14yr old daughter, we are going to the practice day on the Wednesday and then grounds tickets on the Thurs-Sun.

I have never been to a PGA event before, is there anything I should be looking to do or not  do while we are there?

Can we take food/drink etc into the grounds or do we have to buy everything there?

What is the parking arrangments. do they have central area parking with a shuttle bus?

Sorry for all the questions, but I just want to get it right. It is my daughters birthday on the Sunday.

In '08 at Torrey Pines I went to the practice rounds only.  There was centralized parking at Qualcomm andmy wife reminds me that we had to pay, but it wasn't that much.  I don't know if it was the USGA charging or Qualcomm Stadium.

[Golfingdad]

Went to Torrey '08 on Saturday.  The most pleasant surprise was that all grandstands were first come first served and did not require an extra ticket.  It should be easy enough to find 2 seats in one (Probably not on 18) somewhere several holes ahead of marquee groups and just relax there all day.  Since you're going for 5 days, I would also walk the course backwards at least once and as you do see several players hit several shots from everywhere.  You should have a blast.

[MSchott]

I would say that 4 days plus practice at a golf tournament is a lot. I hope your daughter really loves golf.

Otherwise I suggest you scout good spots to watch from on the practice day. It will be crowded and it can be hard to see the players at times, especially around the greens. If you can find a grandstand near a green where you can see approach shots, chipping and putting and the next tee you would do well. Otherwise try to find an interesting foursome to follow keeping in mind that the more popular the player the larger the gallery. Binoculars are helpful if they are allowed on the course.

Wear a hat and bring sun block.

[hanalei]

Ill be there on Sunday... Being that its fathers day can i bring my 2yr old daughter or does she need a ticket?

[Golfingdad]

Originally Posted by hanalei

Ill be there on Sunday... Being that its fathers day can i bring my 2yr old daughter or does she need a ticket?

Can't say for sure, but I googled it (something like "2012 us open spectator") and got a link to last years spectator guide.  There it says that all juniors 12 and under are free with a valid ticket holder.  I have no idea if that would apply to his year, but you probably received a copy of that booklet when you got your ticket.  I know I got a bunch of stuff with mine when I went.

Have fun!

[RonTheSavage]

My uncle and I will be there Thursday, cant wait! Im guessing when the mail out the tickets we will receive some sort of info packet or something.

[montru]

Ill be there on Sunday... Being that its fathers day can i bring my 2yr old daughter or does she need a ticket?

I called the USGA and asked about tickets for children, they said tickets are available at the gate on the day. Juniors 13yrs (I think) and under are free, 13 and up are half price.