Advice on seeing golf live

[Shakey]

After getting into golf more seriously, I’d like to see some golf live this year (for the first time).

I know there’s loads on the telly, and the Masters has always been the highlight of my TV year, but I’d like to see it up close and follow a pro around for a whole round, see how pure they strike the ball, what decisions they make, etc.

I think I’d rather see the lesser lights right now, as opposed to the big names because I’d hope to get closer to the action, and not get trampled in the rush!

As long as the players are scratch pros, I’m sure it’d be a great day and I’d learn a lot.

So……could anyone please point me in the right direction? I’ve looked at sites such as the PGA, R&A, etc., but it seems to be all high profile stuff. As I said, I want to see lower key events.

What time of year do events start in England?

Where would I find out about events I’d be allowed to attend?

What sort of entrance money does it cost?

Any tips on etiquette for spectators?

I’m in Surrey, so if anyone recommends any particular events in my neck of the woods, great

Cheers all.

 

[pbrown7582]

the only event in surrey of the full tour would be the PGA at wentworth. Tickets are on sale for all days but a practice day but be of benefit for what your looking for?
Also US Open International qualifying at Walton Heath is a good day out.

 

[Shakey]

Great stuff pbrown. I want to see the lower-key stuff....where would I find out about that qualifying event please? All the best.

 

[DavidPark]

As much as Wentworth is a "big name", it's not a terrible place to start. I've always enjoyed the viewing experience when I've been to watch (which is almost every year!).

 

[Mattyboy]

The US Open Qualifying at Walton is on the bank holiday Monday at the end of may.

Its a cracking day out:
Not normally a cost to park (some years I recall them charging a fiver though).
Free to get in
No ropes!

So you can walk around with whoever you want. Being the tournament it is, it attracts a good field, not otherwise qualified (generally those outside the worlds top 50). Just bare in mind that some names (Monty, Ollazabal for example) attract large crowds of say 500 following them. Most groups are lucky if they have a dog thats remotely interested in anything other than taking a leak against their bag!

It starts at around 6am and is 36 holes ending usually with one or two play offs to determine who on the mark gets in and the order of reserves.

And Michael Campbell got in at Walton the year he went to Pinehurst and cleaned up.

One problem however, its the playoff final day at Wembley, so please Palace - Please get automatic promotion!

 

[Mattyboy]

A bit more info:

http://www.waltonheath.com/Tournaments/USOpen.aspx

 

[philly169]

I'm going to the BMW PGA's again this year at wentworth. great to follow your favourites and watch how they play, i went to the range last year and watch poulter and rose warm up.. they dont hit many balls but are there for a while.

 

[Wildrover]

Another low key one not too far from you would be the British Amateur in June. It's in Kent this year at either St Georges or Prince's (can't remember which). At amateur events you can walk round with no ropes and get close up to the stars of tomorrow. It's usually free or a nominal charge. A few years ago I walked round watching the final of the English Amateur at St Mellion and was impressed by the two guys in the final and took an interest in how they both progressed. So far they've done ok, it was Paul Casey and Simon Dyson.

 

[Shakey]

Great replies, all......great to know and deffo something I'll be doing. Any other spectating ideas/tips will be gratefully recieved!

PS. I hope Palace come up, Matty....I'm Fulham but always liked the Selhurst boys.

 

[Callum]

I can't really add much on the events as the ones mentioned seem like great choices so a quick one on ettiquite.

Do not act like those daft Americans and shout "get in the hole" every time someone takes a shot because if you do that in front of me I would probably wrap a 7 iron around your head.

That goes for everybody else

 

[shivas irons]

The US Open Qualifying at Walton is on the bank holiday Monday at the end of may.

Its a cracking day out:
Not normally a cost to park (some years I recall them charging a fiver though).
Free to get in
No ropes!

So you can walk around with whoever you want. Being the tournament it is, it attracts a good field, not otherwise qualified (generally those outside the worlds top 50). Just bare in mind that some names (Monty, Ollazabal for example) attract large crowds of say 500 following them. Most groups are lucky if they have a dog thats remotely interested in anything other than taking a leak against their bag!

It starts at around 6am and is 36 holes ending usually with one or two play offs to determine who on the mark gets in and the order of reserves.

And Michael Campbell got in at Walton the year he went to Pinehurst and cleaned up.

One problem however, its the playoff final day at Wembley, so please Palace - Please get automatic promotion!

I think i'll have a look at this,great to see the big names trying to qualy,and its free!!

 

[HawkeyeMS]

Great replies, all......great to know and deffo something I'll be doing. Any other spectating ideas/tips will be gratefully recieved!

PS. I hope Palace come up, Matty....I'm Fulham but always liked the Selhurst boys.

Another Fulham boy to join the Homer & Hawkeye GM Forum Fulham Supporters Club :thup:

 

[Shakey]

another fulham boy to join the homer & hawkeye gm forum fulham supporters club :thup:

lol. Coyw!!!

 

[chrisd]

I have often done the practise days at Wentworth at the end of May and its a great venue. The Wednesday is getting busier these days and I believe they are going to charge for entry this year for the first time.

 

[DAVEYBOY]

I'm thinking about the BMW at Wentworth for my first Live event.

On a serious note what's the chance of Tiger and Mcilroy playing in the tournament?

 

[duncan mackie]

you might also consider going along to watch something like this

http://www.tptourseries.com/#!new-schedule--entries/c11mq

you will have the course to yourself, apart from a couple of referees, and can follow players around or watch them play a particular hole as you wish.

many events are in and around Surrey

mix this in the US Open qualifying for a comparison - the ball striking is very little different to be honest.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Practice days are the best in my opinion. Less crowded. I tend to get there early and start at the range and then follow a group for a few holes. I might stop at a good vantage point and then follow a few more groups PM. Less expensive than the comp days too

 

[Sybez]

I'm going to the Wed pro am at Wentworth this year. Tickets were only a tenner each! Can't wait!

 

[Stuart_Wales]

Another big plus for Wentworth from me. I've been to about 6 different courses including Celtic Manor about 5 times, and Wentworth is the best experience for me.

 

[Mattyboy]

Great replies, all......great to know and deffo something I'll be doing. Any other spectating ideas/tips will be gratefully recieved!

PS. I hope Palace come up, Matty....I'm Fulham but always liked the Selhurst boys.

Thanks - mes thinks its going to get a little nervy over the next few weeks, but with the second top scorer in Europe, we should be ok! :thup:

The day at Walton is usually the day after Wentworth finishes.

Simon Kahn (to his credit) played the day after wining at Wentworth. Monty last year apparently finished around 2pm at Wentworth, drove home to Scotland to pick up a different putter and drove back straight to Walton (and didnt get in!).

All - dont forget to leave your phones in doors (or at least ensure they are on silent!)..........