Hi All,

I am purchasing tickets to the US Open for my father and I but I have not yet decided if I should get them for one of the practice round days or tournament days. For those of you that have attended a US Open or any major for that matter, what are pros and cons of attending a practice round vs. one of the tournament days and what else would you recommend. I have heard that the players are much more laid back in the practice rounds but that you don't know when the players will play if at all. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

5/28/2014 9:54:44 AM

I went to a practice round in '99 and had a great time. It was pretty laid back, got to see Tiger, Jack, Norman, O'Meara (who was relevant at the time), and others on different holes with relative ease. Not having been to a competitive round, I can't compare the experience, but would imagine it's a lot more crowded and more difficult to move about the course.

5/28/2014 9:58:13 AM

Practice rounds can be fun, and iirc you can take cameras in those days, but you can't beat the tournament rounds.

Make sure to get him either thursday or friday so he can see everybody before the cut.

5/28/2014 10:18:05 AM

The tournament rounds are kinda organized insanity. You don't really appreciate how many people are there until you go in person. There are pros and cons to both.

Practice rounds usually have a lot less people, they are more relaxed, you'll get to see more of the course and the players actually playing.

Tournament rounds are packed, and you won't be able to see as much due to the sheer volume of spectators. But it's the real deal, and you still get to see some really great stuff.

I went the last time it was in Pinehurst and it was a great experience.

5/28/2014 10:27:39 AM

I'm probably in the minority, but Pinehurst isn't the best place to watch golf... or people watch.

I went to the Friday round in '05 and was disappointed. I love Donald Ross courses, but they're not very scenic. I also had tons of sand boogers because it was so dry and dusty.

It's in the middle of nowhere, sh*tty traffic, expensive beer.

It's the antithesis of Augusta.

5/28/2014 10:46:46 AM

That sounded overly negative.

There a few good spots to watch imo.

You can get in the grandstands behind #5 and watch a ton of golf. The guys teeing off on #4 are just to your right, you watch them play the hardest hole on the course right in front of you, and then #6 is a par 3 right behind you that you can see their tee balls.

I like the grandstands behind #16 as well so you can see them hit their second shots on #8 right behind you, and their tee balls on #17 besides that long approach into 16.

5/28/2014 11:51:05 AM

I wandered around a lot just because I can't stand sitting in one place for hours. If you keep a schedule in your pocket, you can get around and see almost everyone you want to on Thursday/Friday, but you have to be there 20+ minutes in advance of whomever you want to see comes through. It's easier to do this if you avoid greens and tees.

Saturday/Sunday I recommend the opposite though. If you can stand it, find a tee or green and camp the fuck out all day. Make sure you have a buddy to sit with, so you can alternate getting up and grabbing food, drink, bathroom, whatever.

5/28/2014 12:09:01 PM

i've done 8 grounds days and a final of the australian open over 2 years but never did any practice days so can't compare but I highly recommend doing at least 1-2 ground days and a session with reserve seating

5/28/2014 12:31:34 PM

^think he's talking golf, not tennis

5/28/2014 12:37:52 PM

Quote :

"It's the antithesis of Augusta."

In terms of cities/area, Pinehurst > Augusta. The town of Augusta is a shithole.

If you do not like the Pinehurst/Sandhills area, you are not doing something right.

5/28/2014 3:31:15 PM

Wrong thread

[Edited on May 28, 2014 at 7:47 PM. Reason : ,]

5/28/2014 7:46:04 PM

@packboozie

I'm referring to the course itself. Go walk Augusta National, then go walk Pinehurst No 2.

5/29/2014 2:26:33 PM

as a serious golfer with tournament experience...i have a hard time passing up actual tourney rounds. It's more fun to watch a guy in the zone or struggling when the pressure is on...but practice round is great for the better family atmosphere and interaction w/ players

[Edited on May 29, 2014 at 6:35 PM. Reason : asdf]

5/29/2014 6:34:43 PM

Quote :

"Practice rounds can be fun, and iirc you can take cameras in those days, but you can't beat the tournament rounds."

I received my practice round tickets and spectators guide yesterday and can confirm that you are allowed to bring in a camera Monday through Wednesday, but you cannot bring in cell phones or camera bags. You also are not allowed to take videos

5/30/2014 7:48:47 AM

Sneak in your shoe. Not that hard =)

5/31/2014 2:30:49 AM