Who should I follow while watching a practice round at Chambers Bay?

[turtleback]

thanks again guys, good advice

I would also recommend camping out for an hour or two in the stands by one of the greens.  I found it fascinating to watch each group spend at least 10-15 minutes chipping and putting from various places, just to get a sense of how the guys do their on-course preparation.

[zero]

Thanks for this thread! Two questions - how can I select which day to go? (Mon, Tues, Wed) And is there a practice schedule or some such so I can plan my day?

[No Mulligans]

Who are some good players that really discuss their shots with their caddies?

That's who I'd want to follow.  Follow them and you can hear what they're thinking.

[Golfingdad]

Thanks for this thread! Two questions - how can I select which day to go? (Mon, Tues, Wed) And is there a practice schedule or some such so I can plan my day?

No idea.  I was always under the impression that practice round days are pretty informal.  That may not be the case for majors though, so I haven't the slightest idea if tee times are reserved for players ahead of time, or if they just slot themselves in wherever they can fit.

I don't think it would matter which day, though, as you are bound to find some stars practicing all of the days.

Maybe Monday is the lightest day??

[zero]

" Thank you for your purchase of tickets to the 2015 U.S. Open Championship."

Thanks for the help, I went for Tues 6/16

[DaveP043]

From my memory of the 2015 US Open at Pinehurst, you'll probably be able to get a list of players and their tee times once you get to the practice round.  They're done pretty informally, and I don't remember anything being available in advance.  As far as players to follow, I suggest the lesser-known guys.  You're much more likely to be able to get right next to the ropes to be able to hear their conversations.

As someone else said, you may want to spend some time in a grandstand where you can watch a few groups practicing putting and short game on a green.  Its really interesting to watch them try to guess where pins are likely to be, and to guess where they might miss a green, and then practice the shots they're guessing they might need.  Its also interesting if you can find a grandstand that has views of more than one green, or of a green AND the subsequent tee.  Last, its good to watch a little action at the range and/or short game practice areas.

[turtleback]

From my memory of the 2015 US Open at Pinehurst, you'll probably be able to get a list of players and their tee times once you get to the practice round.  They're done pretty informally, and I don't remember anything being available in advance.  As far as players to follow, I suggest the lesser-known guys.  You're much more likely to be able to get right next to the ropes to be able to hear their conversations.

As someone else said, you may want to spend some time in a grandstand where you can watch a few groups practicing putting and short game on a green.  Its really interesting to watch them try to guess where pins are likely to be, and to guess where they might miss a green, and then practice the shots they're guessing they might need.  Its also interesting if you can find a grandstand that has views of more than one green, or of a green AND the subsequent tee.  Last, its good to watch a little action at the range and/or short game practice areas.

At Torrey Pines in 2008 all I remember is a board listing the tee times with players names written in.  I don't recall any kind of formal tee sheet.