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my dad just called and said he got us badges for the Zurich classic in New Orleans next weekend for my birthday........i'm extremely excited, as this is the 1st PGA event i've ever gone to.....any advice for a first-timer that might make my experience more enjoyable?........i don't believe many of the big names will be there (no tiger/phil), vijay may come they say, we'll see.........lol, who cares!!!!, i'm just excited to be going

My tip would be to check out the practice rounds first. That's when it will be least crowded and the time I find most enjoyable. If you go Tuesday, there won't be many people out there and you can see the players in a more "casual" atmosphere. It is also at the practice rounds where you can figure out how to navigate the course for the tournament when the crowds get there.

Also, you can take pictures during the practice round but not at the actual tournament unless you have the right credentials.

I have only attended two events, but a couple common sense things:

Consider sunblock or a nice big floppy hat. If you get there early and watch the driving range (8 to 9 am) and stay throughout the day (5 or 6 pm), it makes for a very long day in the sun. Last thing you want is to wind up in a hospitality or aid tent. Don't be afraid to drink lots of water.

Thurs through Sunday pay attention to the signs about cell phones and cameras. The events I have attended banned cameras and strongly warned about cell phones. I prefer to leave them both in the car. You will most likely have to park in satellite parking and ride a shuttle to the event. Would be a nasty start to the day if you got to the event only to have to take the shuttle back to your car and return the camera.

Definately consider getting there a bit early. Watching the driving range can be a treat and there will be tents galore full of vendors and stuff.

In addition to sunblock and a hat, wear comfortable shoes. Seems like common sense but you never know.

Try to find out ahead of time what kind of bags are allowed on course - you know how the whole world went over-the-top on security. Bring a thinsulated bag with lots of bottled water.

Practice rounds are usually more fun IMO. Pick out a young pro you're interested in and follow him for nine holes. It's amazing how many grinders are out there. They get up and down from anywhere, even when their swing is off, they find a way to make par.

For the weekend rounds, pick a favorite hole on the back nine, or if you're lucky, a place where you can see a couple holes (TPC Sawgrass - get in the right spot, and you can see the 16th green, the island 17th, and the tee shot on 18). Especially with popular groups, it is often hard to follow them because by the time you get to the green or the next hole the crowd is several rows deep. So you might be better off determing where you want to camp out for a few hours.

If you're there to really watch golf, get there early, pick a spot close to one of the greens and camp it. Take lawn chairs, you will need them. When you get up to go to the bathroom or get some food it will be highly unlikely that somebody well mess with them or take your spot. If you intend to walk around a lot, that's fun also, but you're not going to get a very good view of the greens. It all really depends on what you're there to do.

Don't forget sun screen, and wear breathable materials.

Oh yeah, one more thing. If you do intend to pick a spot and camp, I highly recommend one that will be shaded come the afternoon. So look at the location of trees and figure out what area's around the green will be shaded later in the day.

Enjoy the tournament!

Most importantly, have a lot of fun! If you can, share some pictures with us.

practice rounds are the best to go to, not many crowds and if your an autograph hound you can get them. The driving range is a great place to go and see what you can't do that the pros do...amazing. pick up a course map usually on a pairings guide, find a spot where you can see a tee box and shots approaching greens. You can also ask an operations person at the tournament, most of these people are nice and can give you course knowledge for the best spots on the course.
You will be searched by security prior to going into the tournament so if you go for the last days usually thursday through sunday dont bring in cell phones, pagers, chairs, umbrellas, backpacks. You might wind up going back to your car to drop these off.
Get involved with the tournament, Volunteer! its usually a small price to pay if you really love the game and care about all the charities that the tournament caters to. this can go to all who read this as well. I have volunteered for 15 years, met players and really see a different side of them. Most are like you and me. Enjoy and support the tournaments. je

New Orleans' course was fun to watch when I was there.

Sunscreen, Water, Hat and Polarized sunglasses. If it's cloudy the glasses help keep track of the ball in the clouds.

thanks for all the tips guys, i'll try to take a few pics and post them if i can

wear a hard hat

dont be the annoying drunk that hangs out by the concession tent saying how "this one time in vegas tiger woods sat next to me and didnt tip the dealer" i hear that EVERY SINGLE TIME i go to an event.

LOL, well there goes my ice-breaker...........guess i'll have to fall back on, "how 'bout them Bears"

Avoid walking miles . Try to secure a course plan and work out an area where you can view two or three greens and a couple of tee boxes. You feel so much more relaxed at the end and this way you see many more players. Trying to keep up with one or two groups is fools play and ends up you miss a whole heap of the action. Hope that helps .

keep your cell phone in your car or at home, they wouldn't let us bring them into the FBR open here in phoenix in Feb.