Open practice days

[Copernicus]

I've never been to The Open but this is the year! I'm definitely going with a friend and have an invite to lunch on the Thursday but am wondering whether its a good idea to take a day off work and do a practice day as well? I'm not sure what to expect from that. Has anyone been that can fill me in? The other option is the Saturday which doesn't require use of a day's leave but I'm told you hardly see anything because its so crowded and I might as well watch on TV at my club. Is that true? Opinions an tips on how to make the most out of a visit generally please!!Schedule

 

[Liverbirdie]

Some people laud the practice days over the competition days, but not for me (did it once).

Seeing the players play meaningful, and potentially famous, game winning shots Id rather see, than just being able to get a little closer to them.

 

[Garush34]

I find the practice days good. The players a bit more relaxed and it's good to see them practicing different shots. Also worth getting to the range for a bit to see them work through swings and interacting with their coaches etc.

 

[ManinBlack]

I enjoyed the practice day I went to at Muirfield a few years ago. You get very close to the players and, being a photographer, I found it really enjoyable to be able to take photographs. Too many people there for the actual competition, I'd rather watch it on the television.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

My son and his junior team went last year on a practice day. He got to see everyone, got a load of pictures and autographs. Players will talk to you, they are more relaxed, the crowds are smaller. Mixing the two days sounds like a great combination.

 

[Copernicus]

I enjoyed the practice day I went to at Muirfield a few years ago. You get very close to the players and, being a photographer, I found it really enjoyable to be able to take photographs. Too many people there for the actual competition, I'd rather watch it on the television.

Actually the photography was something I had in mind so I think you may just have confirmed my thoughts!
I have a micro four thirds- longest lens is my Olympus 40-150. I was pondering that maybe if I saved the £££ of the championship days by going to practice I could put the cash to a longer lens! The 40-150 took some cracking action shots of leaping broncos at the Calgary Stampede, taken from pretty far back from a grandstand but really they needed severe cropping so I lost a ton of resolution. Did you need a very long lens for the golf or should I be OK with what I have?

 

[The Evertonian]

In my early/mid twenties I used to go and watch the open every year. We used to travel on the Wednesday night after work, watch the Thursday and Friday on the course then travel home on the Friday night and watch the weekend on TV.

The things I liked about doing it that way was you had the chance to see every golfer (before the cut) and you got a better understanding of the course, so when you were watching on the weekend you knew what the players were up against 1st hand.

St Andrews was my favourite in 'O5...Seen Jack retiring on the Friday (had sand in my eyes)
Royal St George's was the hottest
Birkdale we had 4 seasons in one day
Seen big Ernie ace the 'Postsge Stamp' 8th at Troon...
All great memories...trust me there's no better place in the world than being on the course before 7am on a calm Thursday summers morning, cup of coffee, bacon butty. And the greatest event in golf all starting to unfold in front you.

Roll on Birkdale...I can be there in half an hour from door to door 👌🏻

 

[ManinBlack]

Actually the photography was something I had in mind so I think you may just have confirmed my thoughts!
I have a micro four thirds- longest lens is my Olympus 40-150. I was pondering that maybe if I saved the £££ of the championship days by going to practice I could put the cash to a longer lens! The 40-150 took some cracking action shots of leaping broncos at the Calgary Stampede, taken from pretty far back from a grandstand but really they needed severe cropping so I lost a ton of resolution. Did you need a very long lens for the golf or should I be OK with what I have?

I used the 18 - 200 on my Nikon DX & it was fine. Actually took my big 70 - 200 f2. 8 but it was such a hot day I dumped it in left luggage & just used the light kit. Your 40 - 150 should be fine, you can get very close to the players.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I prefer the practice rounds where there is more room to move around and you can get much closer to the players. That said, there is still something special about the atmosphere once the competition gets going and seeing these famous players playing famous courses

 

[rob_golf1]

Practice days are ok if you want to watch a player throw a couple of balls down and play them. Managed to meet and talk with Kaymer and Poulter at Hoylake in 2014. Was also able to get very close to Tiger and Lee Westwood (touching distance) and watch them go through their routines on the course.

Much prefer tournament days though for the atmosphere and seeing the players play under pressure. This will be my third Open this year after going to Lyhtam and Hoylake. Really excited for it this year!!

 

[PhilTheFragger]

My first open at Troon last year (Thanks GM ):cheers:

Went up early on the Wednesday and got to the course about 10.30 am on the last practice day.
Much more relaxed atmosphere, similar to the BMW Pro Am at Wentworth, but without the celebs.
able to get very close to the players and got a few autographs on a flag that went to H4H auction.

The competition day I saw (Thursday) was much busier, the atmosphere was tense as the day unfolded,
the weather was kind and the hospitality package was superb.

I've been to a few tournaments, Couple of British Masters, about 4 BMW PGA's but I enjoyed The Open most

 

[Copernicus]

Thanks everyone. I decided to do the logical thing and go to one practice day, one championship day and see what I think for myself so I'll know next time!!