BMW PGA Champs

[Toby_LeRhone]

THinking of taking my boys along to the BMW PGA Champs at Wentworth later this month. Never been to a pro event before. Any advice regarding best days to go, top tips, will I need granstand tickets etc?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Mongoose]

Take a BMW, or borrow someone who owns one car keys. If you have a BMW the car park is a LOT closer to the event. If you have a set of BMW keys flash them at the various stands and free consession places that will get you nice views and free tea/coffee for all your group (not just the driver).
Other wise be prepared for a long walk from the car parks to the event and a lengthy wait to leave when its over.

Be prepared that all refreshments are a rip-off so its best to take some bottled water etc, even sandwiches and choccie bars. Example, 3 ice creams cost us £16, 3 small and grotty bacon baps the same price, burgers 6 squid a pop, and you'll end up queuing usually to be ripped.

We find it most enjoyable just to walk the course and occassionally follow one group for a few holes, you'll see a lot more action and the course that way rather than plonking yourself down for the day in a grandstand.

If you want to get close to the stars, get autographs etc then the final practice day (Weds) is best, otherwise any day, but its quieter on Thurs/Fri than the weekend. Expect the feature groups and biggest names to have a huge stampede of people following them.

The tented village area is nice (if expensive to buy anything) and worth exploring for a while. Dont take a camera unless its practice day and if you have a phone switch it off before entering the event. Wear trainers or similar, something comfortable as you'll likely do a LOT of walking.

Have fun, its a good event, just watch your wallet at all times as they'll be someone there to relieve you of it!

 

[pendodave]

First post btw, but anyway....

Went on the Thursday last year. Used the train. There's a shuttle bus from the station which was foc. You could even walk (it's about 25 mins) and speculate on the various forms of criminal activity needed to pay for the real estate.

Borrowed a mates BMW keys. Didn't find them much use on the course, but there's a coffee/tea facility in the tented village which gives a nice break from walking all day.

I enjoyed a bit of time watching the players on the range. It's not far from the main village/first tee and is signposted.

Normal way I watch these is to go round with a good but not great group to get a feel of the course/rhythm of the round and then stop for a few groups at a good vantage point and watch the celebs with the bit galleries go through, but each to their own.

Have a great day, I did.

 

[Toby_LeRhone]

Thanks for the advice. We'll probably get a lift in as we only live about 5 miles away. We've got a mini, I wonder if that counts as a BMW?

 

[richart]

THinking of taking my boys along to the BMW PGA Champs at Wentworth later this month. Never been to a pro event before. Any advice regarding best days to go, top tips, will I need granstand tickets etc?

Thanks in advance.

Wear golf shoes, especially if its wet. Take food and drink. Its not the greatest viewing course, and has some long walks between tees. First two days will be less crowded, and more players to watch. Be on the alert for golf balls at driving distance and around greens, as you will rarely get a shout of fore.

Oh yes and have a good day.

 

[EZprophet]

I've been a couple of times before and it while it isnt the best spectator course, its still a good day out.

If you are one who likes plonking yourself somewhere I reckon the stand behind 16 green is a good spot to do it. You have a good view of their wedge approaches into short par 4 16th and then you can just turn your head to the left and watch them boom drivers down the par 5 17th from straight behind the tee box.