What happens during practice rounds at PGA tour events and why should I go? Better chances of getting an autog

Question

What happens during practice rounds at PGA tour events and why should I go? Better chances of getting an autog

Answer 1

they hit some tee shots, practice some approach shots, and have some putts. pretty boring really, but the 19 austographs you come home with should even it out

Answer 2

That's one reason to go.  It's just another opportunity to get to see the players who are in more relaxed state before the first round of the tournament.

Answer 3

You will have a blast! They are relaxed and will even talk to you alot! Not many people so you can usually get a spot away from others for more interaction! Its great to see the fun side of some very serious players!

Answer 4

You see them practing all their drills and most of them are working with their coaches. It is much easier to get around in because more people go to the actual tournament on the weekend...

A lot of the golfers are a lot more laid back in practice rounds, which makes the fans happier.

Your chances of getting an autograph are a lot higher... just because not everyone is crowded around the golfers begging and holding the paper or hat or whatever out, you can just kinda walk up to them and say "hey can I have your autograph please?" Then they sign and its all good, as opposed to fighting with 15 people and the golfer would probably only sign 5 or 8.

I personally like the practice rounds better because you see what the golfer is really like. They don't get super mad if they have a bad shot, and they have fun on the course. They aren't as stressed out. Sometimes the golfer will even talk to you if they are putting or walking around or whatever, if you ask for the autograph and no one else is asking, you could talk for a few minutes. They are SO much more relaxed and they talk more and spend time with fans more during practice rounds...

It is also really cool because when you see them on the putting green or range, you can watch their drills and take them home with you to help you improve your game. Everything is the same besides the fact that it isn't the actual tournament. I mean, the merchandise shop is open, they practice, they play etc.

You should definitely go!

Answer 5

in columbus ohio we have a tourament in may around memoral day  and the practice round the golfer will talk to you and have fun

Answer 6

I think this is the best time to go watch a PGA event because you get to see their practice habits, and this is what you really want to copy from the pros. Watching the actual tournament is fun, but if you want to learn anything, watch the practice rounds.

I have been to a few and I like to watch it all. I walk the course and watch them practice different shots. I also enjoy watching them on the putting green. You get to see how they practice putting and sometimes their short game. At the driving range, you can really see how good they are. I watched Phil Mickelson hit 8 irons to a target and I swear, all of them were at the most 10 ft from the target. It's pretty sick watching them hit a bucket of balls. They are like robots and shot is the same.

Anyway, like I said, if you want to have fun, watch the tournament. If you want to learn and be amazed, watch the practice rounds.

Answer 7

I have been a volunteer at a few tour events, so I've got a bit of insight for this question.

During the practice round the players are essentially figuring out the course and the strategies they need to employ. For example, some of the more "exacting" players might hit two or three shots off of a particular tee to find the best method of playing the hole.

Although there are some pros who are extremely serious, the practice rounds are usually very low-key. You'll see side-bets going on between the players, a lot of teasing and ribbing, some extremely crazy shots, open frustration by the pros who are fighting their swings, and a more relaxed/casual round of golf being played. Also, the crowds are MUCH smaller so it's easy to go from one hole to the next without feeling as though you are part of a crazy stampede of spectators.

That said, you aren't going to witness much in the way of drama. The pressure and excitement of the final rounds is completely different. It is like night and day.

The ProAm (usually held on Wednesday) is something altogether different. A mass of local business-men hackers descends on the course. From what I've seen, the pros basically endure ProAms rather than look forward to them. It's not often mentioned, but many pros are paid to play in the ProAms.

Personally, I prefer going to the prcatice days (Monday and Tuesday). You'lll never know who you will see or when they might actually head out to the course. It's all a matter of luck. You might show up in the morning and wait until later in the afternoon before you see a pro who interests you. But it is fun to have a glimpse into what the pros are like when the cameras are not in their face. That's what appeals to me.

Hope this helps.

Dale

Portland, OR