Attending Tournaments

Many average golfers want to go see how the pros do it when a professional golf tournament comes to their area.  Although golf seems to be a spectator’s sport that plays better on television, golf enthusiasts should go experience a live event at least once. 

Here are some tips and information that may help you.  Most professional golf events have websites that can answer frequently asked questions.

PGA and LPGA Tournament Golf Tickets

Most professional golf tournaments allow you to purchase tickets on a per-day basis, or sell ticket packages for the duration of the event.  For most PGA Tour, LPGA and Champions golf tour events, expect to pay around $30 for a single day golf ticket, and around $75 for a four-day pass.  If you wish to attend a Nationwide Tour Event, single-day event tickets cost about $10, with weeklong golf events packages in the $30 range.  “Major” tournaments will likely cost a little more to attend. You can view current golf tournament information for event tickets at coast to coast tickets

What To Bring to a tour - camera, sunscreen and a hat!

It is important to check with the particular event that you will be attending to determine what you can and cannot bring to the course with you (esp. refreshments, chairs and cameras).  Backpacks are usually allowed as long as they are carrying towels, sunscreen and clothing.  Generally, you will want to travel light, since it will be a long day, and you will likely be walking several miles.  Dress comfortably, protect yourself from the sun with sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen.

Parking and Accommodation at golf events

Again, you should check with the event regarding parking.  Because many country clubs and golf courses that host professional events are located in suburban neighborhoods, parking may be limited.  Field or roadside parking may be available, but in many cases, spectators will need to park at a remote location and ride a shuttle to the golf course.  The golf tournaments website should also list nearby hotels that will likely provide shuttle service to and from the golf tour course.

Viewer Etiquette 

Because golf is a gentleman’s game, you must show respect.  Silence is golden, and spectators should not talk while a golfer is preparing to swing, take pictures during a golfer’s swing, or talk to a golfer in between his or her shots.  Stay outside of designated boundaries, do not touch a ball that has been hit into the gallery, and although there may be a mad scramble to surround a miss hit ball, use common sense to avoid standing in an area between the golfer’s miss hit ball and his next target.  Failure to follow proper spectator etiquette can get you expelled from the course without a refund.

So be a sport; just watch and listen and enjoy the day.

Golf Tournaments: Masters, Open, Championships and Invitational

Here are just 20 of the many exciting golf tournaments you could go and watch in 2011

1. US Open Golf
2. Bridgestone Invitational
3. British Open Golf
4. Buick Open
5. PGA Championship
6. Presidents Cup Tourney
7. Ryder Cup
8. Shell Houston Open
9. The Masters Tournament
10. LPGA Championship
11. Wachovia Championship
12. World Golf Championships
13. Arnold Palmer Invitational
14. EDS Byron Nelson Championship
15. Players Championship
16. Bellsouth Classic
17. Memorial Golf Tournament
18. Yhe International
19. Canadian Open golf
20. Bridgestone Invitational