Plot up or follow your favourite?

[johnboywalton]

I was speaking to a new client at work today and he always tries to attend a Major every couple of years or so. He plot`s up all day in one spot and watches everyone come round.
I have never been, but i wondered if people prefer to stay in one position or walk round with a particular player?

 

[Imurg]

Never done a Major but Fragger and me did Wentworth this year. We got there early, followed the first group for a hole or 2, hung around and watched a couple more then followed another group for a hole or 2 and hung around again. Saw the whole course and lots of players too. Then we got lucky and found a couple of seats in the Grandstand behind the 18th and sat there for 3 hours watching everyone come in - including the play-off.

A lot depends on the course you're at, how good it is for following or whether it's best to "camp".

 

[MashieNiblick]

Done 1 Open (Sandwich 1993) 1 Senior Open (Sunningdale) and a few PGAs at Wentworth. Like Imurg I like a mix of walking and stopping.

It's great to get a feel of the course by walking and a feel for how a group plays over a run of holes. I need a rest now and again though so I like to find a hole with a good view of the approach and an interesting green to park myself by for a a while until a good group comes through which I'll follow for a few holes, then have another stop.

Eventually I'll end up at 18 and nab a seat in the stands until the last group finishes.

 

[heronsghyll]

Did The Masters in 2001 and 2002. An awesome place to see a major as there are only 25,000 people per day allowed on the course. So you can do whatever you want, pick a spot and sit tight, follow a group etc.

The best days to go were the practice days. In 2001, I arrived as the gates opened at 8am, we rushed out to the 6th hole where we then followed Tiger and Mark Omera for 6 holes. There were only 12 people following them! We were very close and got a real insight into what for them is "work".

You can get very, very close to all the players - including the superstars - during the tournament and see what really makes them tick. You are not 10-20 deep round the tee or greens. Obviously the last day as everyone congregates around the 18th it is not that easy, but with only a limited number of people even then you are not totally over run. You have to be there to understand.

I truly believe every golfer should try to attend the event at least once. It was an amazing experience.

 

[CMAC]

done a lot of 'Opens' and used to wander around but on links golf all the mounds and humps are usually full so its difficult to see 'your' chosen player at times.
I had to go 7 holes ahead to 'camp' behind a Tee so I could get close to Seve and watch the maestro drive off, his driver flight was so much better than his playing partners

 

[Monty_Brown]

As a slight aside, going to watch a live professional tournament is, I think, one of the best things you can do to help your own game.

You get a real sense of the importance of rhythm and timing in an effective golf swing. Yes, they generate major clubhead speed, but it's amazing to see how they use finesse rather than muscle to generate it.

So when I go, I'll tend to follw good swings, rather than big names. I once watched Raphael Jacquelin for about 8 holes round Woburn... just a delight to see him hit the ball. Came back to my home course next day and trying to emulate some of what I'd seen, shot my low score for the year.

 

[johnboywalton]

or whether it's best to "camp".

Like Louis Spence or Julian Clarey??

 

[PhilTheFragger]

or whether it's best to "camp".

Like Louis Spence or Julian Clarey??

Err.....You'd best get your coat

Fragger

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I've been to a few Opens and pro events. For me though the practice range is where you get to see them true quality of these guys especially if you can get to see them on the short game areas. I could spend most of the day just watching them hit balls and hone their skills but I'm usually a follower. I try and watch my favourite player(s) for a few holes and then cut back and watch other groups. I tend to get bored in one place especially around a green