100th PGA Championship

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By Thomas C

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  • 5 Replies
  1. Hi TT,

    I've been a big-time pro golf fan for the past 5+/- years but I have never had the chance to attend a tournament. As luck would have it, the PGA Championship is coming to my hometown this year!

    Any suggestions for a first-time spectator? I have tickets for the entire week, but I need to be strategic about my time away from the office.

    I'm also wondering if attending a major championship will provide me with an opportunity to get my hands on some unique gear? I know there is going to be a massive merchandise tent, but will Titleist or other vendors have reps there, beyond the tour reps servicing the pros?

    I welcome any other discussion related to the PGA Championship because I am super excited about it!

    Cheers, Thomas

  2. Dale V

    Dale V
    Surprise AZ

    Thomas, enjoy the week! Take as much time as you can. I used to be a marshal and Hole Captain at Colonial in Fort Worth every year before moving to San Diego. Nothing else like watching the pros at work. They make it look so easy. Best to move around a lot on Thursday and Friday. Easier to walk and follow players before the big weekend crowds and you can see guys that might not make the cut. I find it easier on the weekends to camp at a hole in some shade and then just let the players come by. As for merchandise, most of the stuff you will see will be logo-ed and sold through PGA of America as they sponsor this event. Some local Bellerive stuff will also be there. You might find some Titleist/FootJoy gear with the event logo, that's pretty common. Again, have fun and and stay out of the office as much as you can next week.
  3. Bomber3

    Bomber3
    Lake St Louis, MO

    Military
    Since we don't get events very often here in the Lou, expect very large crowds. It's going to be hot most of the week (mid 90s), so dress appropriately and reapply sunscreen at regular intervals (nothing worse than getting fried the first day). What Dale has said about walking around early in the week and picking a spot on the weekend is certainly great advice. Most of all, enjoy the event because who knows when they'll come back here for another event.
  4. Chuck Z

    Chuck Z
    Mt Pleasant, SC

    Military
    To answer you question regarding the reps. I know when the RBC is held at Sea Pines, the FJ local rep works in the clubhouse assisting customers Thursday - Sunday. No special booths. They are there to assist their account as needed. The first part of the the week (M,T,W) he and his tech rep (me) work with other venders passing out tee gifts for the pro/ams. We (Titleist/FootJoy) do have tables set up with products selected by the tournament committee and we normally come in on Sunday to set up and I go home on Wednesday afternoon.

    I found this to be the case when I attended the FEDEx St Jude Tournament at the TPC Southwind in Memphis when I was there and talked with the FJ rep regarding working in the tents.

    Like Dale, I have worked tour events for over 25 years. PGA, Sr PGA, LPGA, Nationwide, Ryder Cup, World Cup, in various capacities, Marshal, Hole Captain, Chair. Lots of fun. Main thing is to respect the players and the fact that they are there to make a living. Read the instructions on your ticket. Drink lots of water, sunscreen is a must and a hat, not a cap. Want you to be comfortable. Know where the restrooms are and plan on lines for their use as well of waiting for food. Do not be shocked at the price of the food as well as the apparel. It is a once, maybe, in a lifetime opportunity, so go to enjoy yourself, and get what you want. Check to see if they have a place in the merchandise tent you can leave your purchases until you get ready to leave or do your purchases on the way out. If you are a big spender, could be a rough day carrying it around with you. Check their policy on a small drawstring back pack.
    You should be able to find by going to their website.
  5. Scott D

    Scott D
    Lethbridge,

    My wife and I attended the Pebble Beach Pro Am this year. Thursday and Friday we picked a group we wanted to watch and followed them. Nice to watch they do make the game look easy (the pros ) the amateurs not so much ( they made the same mistakes and goofy shots I pull off some time ). On the weekend we picked a hole and sat and watched the groups. Lots of neat gear to buy in the merchandise tents. Enjoy the week it is fun.
  6. PRO V

    PRO V
    golf course

    Thomas, wishing you a great time! I attended my first PGA event 50 years ago when my father took me as a kid to the Buick Open in Grand Blanc, Michigan. My home town. It will be something to remember. Especially if you go with a family member or close friend. There is nothing like a PGA tour event as the playing field, meaning golf course, is the biggest in all of sports. You can walk all over. Explore. Take in the sights and sounds. And wear your Titleist colors! You'll meet fellow T.T. members. Follow those players you like and find new players you've never heard of. The practice rounds are my favorite because the players are accessible, loose and are willing to take pictures and give autographs. The range, short game area and putting green are also great places to watch how the pros do it. One of the most important things is to hydrate. Bring as much water as possible with you. Walk around. Enjoy the day!

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