Attending the 2016 PGA Championship

[billchao]

I'm kind of on the fence about this, so I was hoping to get some feedback from others. The 2016 PGA Championship will be at Batusrol Golf Club in Springfield, NJ, pretty close to my house. I'm registered to purchase tickets in Group D which opens on the 27th. I'm just trying to decide if I'm going to go, what day/days, etc.

As of right now, I'm probably not going to do the whole week because it's $575 before tax, but if I'm only going to go one day, I am leaning towards going on Sunday. Less players to see doesn't bother me too much since you really can't follow everyone anyway and I figured it would be cool to see the final round of a major. Practice round tickets are pretty cheap so I was wondering if one day might be worth going to, as well.

I've been to tour events in the past (decided to pass on the Barclay's this year) so I have a pretty good idea of what to expect when I get out there. Just wondering how others might feel about attending a major, since it's not like they come around all that often (next one near me on the schedule will be in 2022 at Trump National).

Also, is anybody else thinking about or planning on going?

[ccotenj]

honestly, i'd go for a practice round, and stay home for the rest...

that however is based upon my one major championship experience (merion)...

given the chance to go to augusta all 7 days though, i'd be there....

[David in FL]

Early. Crowds are much smaller and you'll get to see all the players, even those that don't make the cut. I'd probably pick Friday as there can be some fun/drama around the cut line. Saturday/Sunday are just a zoo.

[DaveP043]

I'd recommend the practice days as having the smallest crowds, and the players are as calm as they'll be all week.  Also, you can probably take pictures during practice rounds, but they're usually not allowed on the tournament days.  I'd probably shy away from Sunday, that's the day I want to know exactly what's going on, and you're better off in front of the TV for that.

My wife is going to the Barclays with a friend this weekend.  Are there any particularly good vantage points that I should tell her to find?  The may have some type of corporate tent access, I'm not sure.  Also, a teaching pro at my home course, Bob Benning, was once the head pro at Plainfield.  He tells me its the best course around that area, better than some of the more famous neighbors.

[phillyk]

I prefer early and on Thursday/Friday, but I also like to see everybody regardless of how they are playing.  There's less of a crowd early, the weather is usually nicer, short lines for bathroom and food/drinks lines are shorter.  Weekends are hectic and I'd rather watch the leaders on TV.

[DaveP043]

I prefer early and on Thursday/Friday, but I also like to see everybody regardless of how they are playing.  There's less of a crowd early, the weather is usually nicer, short lines for bathroom and food/drinks lines are shorter.  Weekends are hectic and I'd rather watch the leaders on TV.

I definitely agree that earlier in the week may offer a more pleasant, less hectic experience, but I think its kind of difficult to predict the weather this far out.

[billchao]

Thanks for the replies, guys. I definitely don't want to get stuck in the crowd too badly, so earlier does sound better. Sounds like a practice round would be good, too, if they allow pictures.

[Spiethismyhero]

I would say go to a practice round. Friends I know who go to the practice rounds at Augusta say it's one of the most awesome times they've ever spent at a tournament.