golfrewind.com

I will be going to my first PGA event, the Buick Invitational in a couple of weeks. What can I expect, how is the seating/viewing orgaized in a golf tournament?
I know not to take a cell phone and to be quiet but what else is there?
I would appreciate any "inside" tips.

Ah, the Buick! I was there in 97. I hung out at the range mostly and just watched them hit balls and practice their shortgame. I would walk around and see them hit some shots. You'll be really impressed with what these guys can do. If you want to see Tiger (not sure if he's gonna be there or not) just look for the huge crowd! Have fun! Simp

All you have to do is yell, "Get in the hole!" after every shot. It's just something that seems funny when I watch my Master's DVDs - someone's always yelling it.

Another tip if Tiger's there. Don't take your camera.

I do know Tiger is going to be there along with Phil.

I've not been there at all, but some thoughts for you...pretty much you want to see all aspects of their game.

(1) Find a hole or holes where they really want to rip a tee shot, you'll have a blast watching that.
(2) Tee shots to a tough par-3 or tricky approach shots.
(3) Areas around tight pins where it's tricky for an up/down...you'd be amazed at how well they can get the ball up/down from where ever.
(4) On par-5's plant yourself in the fairway to see them hit their 2nds to the green.
(5) Easy par-4's where they hit wedge in, watch how they hit those close to the pin.
(6) Putting, you can't get enough of how well they putt, perhaps anywhere on the course for that.

That's what I try and do when I get to a course to watch them.

If you want to see a big name, you'll definitely want to get a few holes away from where they are and get set near the tee box or green. That way you can see several groups as well as the player you targeted up close when they come by.

Going to a PGA event is great experience. You will have a whole new respect for how well they can hit the ball.

I've gone to the Deutsche Bank Championships all 3 years. It's been a good field each time, Tiger, Vijay, Adam Scott, etc. And I witnessed the '99 Ryder Cup from beginning to end.

Anyway, I recommend the following....

Of course you will want to watch Tiger, who doesn't? But I am telling you, seeing him hit a shot, from anywhere near him, is going to be the challenge of your life. EVERYONE is following his group. Gallery will be 15 rows deep.

So, what I do, is follow a group containing a lesser-known player for a long stretch of holes (say Jonathan Byrd or Brad Faxon, etc). You will be able to get really close and enjoy what they can do. As far as seeing Tiger, it will happen a few times by accident. You'll end up a few holes ahead of him and them BAM, there he is. If you could closely see Tiger hit 3-5 shots, you've done well.

Good luck and enjoy.

I went and saw the Buick Classic at the Westchester two years ago. The amazing thing I found is this: practically the only difference between the top 10 and the bottom 10 is ability to get it up and down from absolutely anywhere.

I watched the first group out on Saturday - the guys who just barely made the cut - and they were incredible! Hit the ball a mile, cound work it either way, and on and on and on. But when they missed a green, it took 3 to get down.

I watched Vijay and Sergio on Sunday, and I swear - Vijay could have made par from the hot dog cart. Sergio did, I think.

From what I saw, the short game was basically the only difference between the best... and the rest.

Congratulations in advance on your first PGA Tour experience. Golf isn't a sport where you can buy a ticket for the "best seat." Some people find a seat by a particular hole and watch the players as they parade by playing just that hole. Others (like me) like to follow a particular group, or player, around for a few holes, or find a hot group and hope the magic continues. Listen to the roars to find the "hot group." It's good to find the tee times in the paper before you go and to grab a daily pairing sheet (usually handed out at the entrance of the course) so that you'll know where to find the player/players that you're looking for.

Special tip if you want to get a good view of Tiger...........Pick a hole you want to see him play and find a spot 3-4 holes ahead of the hole he's playing. That way when the crowd that is following him reaches you, you will already have a front row viewing spot all to yourself.

Wear comfortable shoes, (golf shoes as a spectator identify you as a nerd!) a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are necessities. If you are familiar with the course you may want to find a vantage point where you can watch multiple groups at once. For instance, at the Buick Open in Grand Blanc, Michingan there's an area where I can watch the tee shots and greens on the 8th and 17th holes and by turning around I can see the tee shots on #18.

There's no way you can see everything but with a little luck you'll get to see some great shots. I also highly recommend that you spend a few minutes watching the practice tee. I never miss this one! You'll be amazed at what goes on there. I won't spoil it for you, you'll just have to see it for yourself. I will give you a hint though......these guys are good!

I've been blessed to attend both a PGA and a U.S. Open at the Inverness Club in Toledo. I had four day clubhouse passes, which was really neat.
This method worked well for me during the last 2 rounds... get there early and position yourself near the green on the first par 3 hole. Watch everyone come through. Then wander the course for a while watching different players hit different shots, keeping in mind about where your "favorites" are in the round. As the spirit moves you, find your favorite group and follow them through the end of the round.
I also attended the first 2 rounds of Jamie Farr's tournament, again in Toledo a number of years ago. I was about 10 feet away from Jan Stevenson when she skulled the heck out of a long iron. I whispered something along the of "wow, they do it too" which Ms. Stevenson overheard. I thought she was going to take a whack at me with her 3 iron.

What day are you going? As a marshal at the Target World Challenge I can give you a few tips...

- Try to attend the weekday rounds. If you have tickets for Wednesday be sure to go (as camera's are usually permitted on practice days for PGA events). Thursdays and Fridays generally have smaller crowds and may be the only chance you have at seeing Tiger and some of the other big stars up close for more than a few holes.

If you are going on the weekend than plan out the holes that you'd like to see your favorite players (assuming they have a big gallery) and plan out the quickest and easiest route between those holes. Good viewing spots for a lot of action are places where the green on a hole is very close to a tee box. That way you can see both areas.

- Pay attention to the marshals. Many times fans walking along the sidewalk don't pay attention to the course marshals and the noise interferes with a players shot.

- My favorite place is the driving range. If you plan on watching the guys practice than I suggest getting to the course before it opens. Usually they have bleachers right behind the players that fill up fast. It is a lot of fun to watch the guys practice and hear them discuss shots or problems with their caddies and instructors. If you don't catch them practicing before the round you can always hit the range afterwards, most of the guys hit balls after the round.

Have a great time. I went to the Buick the last two years and had a lot of fun. The tournament attracts some very good players and Torrey Pines is a great layout.

.......or else Steve Williams will take your cell phone and hit you on the head with it

One of these days Steve's going to do something to the wrong person, and I can't wait to see it happen!!!

That "wrong person" better look before he leaps. Have you seen the size of Steve? I've seen him close up and anyone that decides to take him on would have their hands full.

That's not to say I condone his brutish behavior (although some of the lesser stuff is certainly justified) but he's a guy I'd like to have covering my back in a scrap. Looks like he might enjoy that type of thing.

I've seen him and I wouldn't want to scrap with him either, but he's not invincible League....I think I'd put Steelers LB James Harrison on him....see that WWF body slam he did on that unruly Browns fan Chrismas Eve.....

You don't think some ball players are among the fans at PGA tour events? Ok, now lets not get into another Debet here over this League....can you promise me that? I know it's a tough thing for you to do now...