The Open

[haysboat]

Hi,

I am new to this site and am looking for some advice please!

I am thinking of getting my husband two day passes for The Open but have been advised to go for the practise days as they are more fun! Not being a golfer myself I would appreciate opinions please - thank you

 

[fundy]

Welcome

personally prefer going on practise days or the Thursday/Friday as far easier to get close to the action, especially on the practise days when the players are far more relaxed. Saturday and Sunday too many people are trying to follow too few groups and viewing is much harder.

 

[haysboat]

Hello and Thank you! You have said the same as I have been told - its more relaxed on the practise days. Would you be pleased if you had never been to The Open and you were bought two practise days?

 

[fundy]

Id be over the moon, though if getting two days maybe go for the wednesday and thursday, so the last practise day and then the first day proper? so he gets a bit of both

PS any chance you could have a chat with my Mrs

 

[Aztecs27]

Hello and Thank you! You have said the same as I have been told - its more relaxed on the practise days. Would you be pleased if you had never been to The Open and you were bought two practise days?

I would, especially if I was told my wife had spent the time doing the research and found out I would enjoy them more because I can get closer to the action.

 

[haysboat]

Ahh thanks guys!

It is for his 50th Birthday which is only a couple of days before so I want him to enjoy it! I did think that maybe Wed and Thur would be best (costs abit more but might be worth it!)

Thank you for your help - good golfing!

 

[John_Findlay]

The practice days have advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages;- Cheaper; you can usually take your camera and get some snaps; get closer to the players; the banter is usually relaxed and good fun.

Disdavantages;- Not every player will be out. You might not see Tiger or some of the big names as they sometimes play just a few holes at unGodly hours of the morning.

All in all though, as a golfer, I'd be chuffed to bits to be given tickets for the practice rounds.

 

[Aztecs27]

I would say Wed and Thurs is your best bet, as suggested. Gives him a bit of both experiences.

 

[Fyldewhite]

It really depends on the individual. If the idea is to see all the best players in the world hitting lots of golf shots then you will see more of that on the practice days which are great for photos/autographs etc. If you want to soak up the atmosphere of a major sporting event then nothing beats the final day. The drawback is obviously that the larger crowd all want to see the same 4 or 5 groups which can make things difficult logistically.
Personally I'd go Wed and either Thu or Fri. But that said I have been there on the last day inside the ropes so having experienced that I'm not too fussed about doing it again fighting the crowd.

 

[thecraw]

Practice days are good fun.

For instance, last years Scottish Open at Loch Lomond, we watched big Phil tee off on the first in the Pro-Am. He proceeded to block one miles and miles left, and I mean miles. His caddy gave him another ball to re-load which he then snap hooked miles and miles right.

He was offerd another ball by his caddy and he refused. This was greated by a series of "BOOOOOOO'S" and "GO ON HIT ONE". A bit of banter later and his caddy throwing a ball at him big leftie hit a screamer down the middle which was cheared like he had just won the tournament.

Also had a laugh with Camilio Villegas caddy who was a bit of a "wideo".

Practice days are informal and a bit more fun, for me they win hands down.

 

[MashieNiblick]

As it's a 50th birthday present (which is a bit special) and he hasn't been before, I'd go for at least one proper day. Practise days may be fun but the competition is what it's all about. Nothing like being there when it's for real. So I'd go for Wednesday and Thursday.

If it were me getting those tickets I'd be well pleased.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I love practice days and would probably spend all day at the range if I could watching the guys hit. You can get much closer to the action and the players are usually relaxed enough to pose for the odd pic and maybe sign an autograph if you are lucky. Nothing beats the first day for me when everyone is out and looking for a fast start. More players to watch means the crowds thin out a bit except for the marquee groups

 

[Smiffy]

You'll only get piccies like this on practice days...

 

[Farneyman]

I would go for a day of each if I could