I'm thinking of taking my 14-y-o to Deutsche Bank...

[macksmom]

I'd like to take my 14-y-o son to Deutsche Bank. I think it would be a fun thing to do together. (He's been playing golf since he was 6, but his dad and I don't play. He loves golf!) 

It's about a 1 1/2 hour drive for us. He has school W-Th but not Friday or the weekend (obviously). I kind of wish I could take him there for the practice sessions on Wednesday, but he probably shouldn't skip school - especially on his 3rd day of high school. I guess Friday might be the best option because it will be less crowed and maybe more intimate? What do you think? Any suggestions in general? Also, are any of you going? :)

Thanks!

[iacas]

He could skip school. Not much will be happening.

But if you can, just go Friday, Saturday, Sunday, or Monday.

[macksmom]

He could skip. I just hate to do that since it's a new school to him. I guess I'll ask. Do you think watching the practice sessions are good to see? It's free to get in.

[Rip62]

If he loves golf and has never been to a tournament any day is fine. The first time I took my son we did a Saturday because I didn't want to pull him out of school so it had to be on the weekend. The Saturday was the better weather day  so we chose that. He especially liked standing behind the tee box on par 3s and watching how guys shaped shots. Even if your not that into golf that was pretty amazing to watch.

[Natural Patrick]

You should take him. Could be something he remember's for the rest of his life. 1st time watching a PGA tour event. Getting out of school to attend will make it even better. Memories are what it's all about!

[Buckeyebowman]

I can remember the first pro tourney I went to like it was yesterday! It was the 1973 US Open at Oakmont. On Saturday morning I watched Sam Snead tee off with Chi Chi Rodriguez! This was the Open that Johnny Miller won with a final 63!

Doesn't matter if it's a practice round or an early round, get him out there to see those pros hit the ball! Both you and he will be astounded, and inspired!

[pganapathy]

I have watched two pro events live in my life.  The first one was in the late 90's or early 2000's.  In that one we actually walked around with and talked to a pro (a guy who is now playing on the Seniors Tour - Andre Bossert of Switzerland) and the other more recently like three or four years ago.  Both rounds helped me learn a lot as a golfer because it helped me understand how a golfer thinks because I have played both the courses and they didn't necessarily pull out a driver on every par 4 and 5.  They used to play position golf with an intent of getting a ball to a specific place to make their next shot as easy as possible.  Also, you can enjoy the amazing shots they hit even if you are not a golfer.

In today's world where there are so many cameras and it becomes difficult for a golfer to talk to the public, an ideal scenario would be for you to go on a practice day because then Mack might be able to talk to some pro's and learn a lot more than just watching.  I understand that this is impractical because of school though.  Good luck and hope you both enjoy it

[macksmom]

Thank you all for the responses. Now I'm thinking that we will go down on practice day and skip school. He just made his high school golf team, so it might also put some fire in his butt. (Not that he needs it. He's playing well right now.) :)

[Vinny Cap]

Take him for sure.  He will have a blast and you might like it as well.

I have taken my son there the last two years and we have a lot of fun.  Going again this year as well.  The first year we had sweet tickets right on the 17th Tee box.  You could also see the shots into the green on 18th.  The next year we had regular tickets and followed his favorite golfer all over the course.  He got "bones" on one hole and a high five on another hole.  He had so much fun.  Almost got an autograph as well.  It is a lot of work following a golfer around for 18 holes!

Both times we went on Sunday.  The weekend can get a lil crazy but that's when we like to go.

[colin007]

The teacher in me is appalled that you'd think of having him skip school, but the golfer in me thinks it's an awesomesauce idea.

[macksmom]

10 hours ago, Vinny Cap said:

Take him for sure.  He will have a blast and you might like it as well.

I have taken my son there the last two years and we have a lot of fun.  Going again this year as well.  The first year we had sweet tickets right on the 17th Tee box.  You could also see the shots into the green on 18th.  The next year we had regular tickets and followed his favorite golfer all over the course.  He got "bones" on one hole and a high five on another hole.  He had so much fun.  Almost got an autograph as well.  It is a lot of work following a golfer around for 18 holes!

Both times we went on Sunday.  The weekend can get a lil crazy but that's when we like to go.

That's great! How old is your son?

1 hour ago, colin007 said:

The teacher in me is appalled that you'd think of having him skip school, but the golfer in me thinks it's an awesomesauce idea.

Your reply made me laugh!

[colin007]

44 minutes ago, macksmom said:

Your reply made me laugh!

Honestly, @iacas is right, I'm a public school teacher and your son won't miss too much, and he can always make it up.

[boogielicious]

Double check traffic if you go during the week. 128/95S can be a mess from the Route 3 exit all the way to Needham with the construction.

[Vinny Cap]

15 hours ago, macksmom said:

That's great! How old is your son?

My son is 11 now so he was 9 the first time we went and he loved it.  Wanted to go again the next year and is looking forward to it again this year.

Its tough to get close to the big name golfers but you can get close to others.  My son likes Camilo Villegas so we were able to follow him through all 18 holes.  Bones and a high five from Camilo were priceless and he still remembers them.

A lot of the holes have special areas for kids so they get right up close on some holes.  Just a great day all around.  Tickets are $60 for general admission and kids 15 and under get in for free!

Hope you have fun if you go.

[macksmom]

@Vinny Cap - That's great! I have an 11-y-o too, but he's not into golf and is very against walking long distances. ;) He gets overheated easily. 
Enjoy! :)

[macksmom]

Hi everyone! I just wanted to let you know that we had a great time! We went on the Saturday, and it was really fun. I think one of the best parts was watching the pros hit off the 18th tee from just a few feet away. I can't wait to go next year!