What Are The Best Seats at a Golf Tournament?
Golf tournaments, unlike many other sporting events, offer fans a unique viewing experience. Instead of fixed seats in a stadium, spectators have the freedom to choose from various locations on vast and sprawling courses. This setting allows fans to witness the game from diverse perspectives. But finding the best seats in a golf tournament can depend on a host of factors and we offer some advice below.
Choosing the best seats at a golf tournament depends on your viewing preference. For drama, position near the 18th green. Par-3 holes offer a chance to witness a hole-in-one. Elevated areas provide panoramic views, while walking the fairways offers an immersive experience. For luxury, consider hospitality tents.
Selecting the right spot or the best seats for you can greatly enhance the experience, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in crucial moments and the sport’s inherent beauty. It doesn’t matter if its a local tournament at your golf club or the a tournament on the LPGA or PGA tour getting the best seats still needs a little planning.
Lets break down the areas you can view in the section below.
The 18th Green
The 18th green is the most important hole in any golf tournament and offers some of the best seats at a golf tournament. It’s where the culmination of hours of play is often decided, and the weight of each shot is palpable. For spectators, sitting near this green ensures a firsthand view of the most crucial putts and, sometimes if lucky, dramatic finishes.
Every approach shot, every putt, and every player’s reaction is right there in real-time, providing an intense and exhilarating experience. it can also be pricey to sit here.
It’s here that you’ll witness the raw emotion – be it the jubilation of a win, the heartbreak of a miss, or the camaraderie among competitors.
As the final hole, it’s also the place where the closing ceremonies, including trophy presentations and speeches, take place, giving fans the opportunity to join in the winner’s celebration.
. For those who want to feel the heartbeat of the competition and be at the epicenter of all final-day drama, these will be the best seats in the house.
Par-3 Holes
Par-3 holes, often shorter in length but high in excitement, are a magnet for spectators at any golf tournament. These holes provide one of the rarest sights in sports: the possibility of a hole-in-one. As players tee off, the anticipation in the air is undeniable, with every shot carrying the potential for golfing history.
But it’s not just about the drama. The design of Par-3 holes often allows spectators to get closer to the action. You can see the players’ expressions, their swing mechanics, and even overhear snippets of strategy discussions with caddies.
The shorter distance, offers a complete view of each shot. if you want to see the hole played from beginning to end then these are the best seats at a golf tournament
Elevated Areas
Elevated spots around a golf course offer a bird’s eye view, and in a sport as vast and expansive as golf, such perspectives are invaluable. From these vantage points, spectators can often see multiple holes at once, providing a panoramic experience of the tournament’s ebb and flow.
Such locations are useful during high-stakes moments when multiple key players are in action simultaneously on different parts of the course. You can track leaderboard changes in real-time and switch your attention based on where the most significant action is unfolding.
Elevated areas often capture the natural beauty of golf courses. Overlooking the undulating fairways, water hazards, bunkers, and tree lines, these are the best seats at a golf tournament if you are looking for not just a strategic view of the game but also a scenic backdrop.
Walking the Fairways
There’s an immersive appeal to walking the fairways during a golf tournament. Unlike being a stationary spectator, following a particular group or your favorite player offers a dynamic and changing view of the game. You’re there, step-by-step, witnessing every decision, and every swing,
Walking allows you to appreciate the intricacies of the game: the meticulous club choices, the whispered consultations with caddies, and the nuances of each lie on the course. As you walk, you also get varied angles of play, from tee shots to approach shots, to the tension-filled putts.
Course Layouts and Dramatic Holes
Every golf course is a work of art, each with its own distinct layout, challenges, and dramatic flair. Before attending a tournament, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with the course’s design to see if any holes may offer the best seats for drama.
Courses often have signature holes renowned for their beauty, difficulty, or history of tournament-changing moments. These holes, be it a perilous Par-3 over water or a challenging dogleg Par-5, can be hotspots for breathtaking shots and pivotal moments in the tournament.
Depending on the day’s pin placement, some holes may also offer higher chances of birdies or the dreaded bogeys, intensifying the spectator experience.
Online forums, course reviews, and previous tournament highlights can give you insights into which holes have consistently delivered drama and if they offer the best seats or viewing in the tournament.
Hospitality Tents and Premium Seating
For those seeking a more luxurious viewing experience, hospitality tents and premium seating areas offer an unmatched blend of comfort and spectacle. Positioned at strategic locations on the course, these zones provide exclusive views often accompanied by amenities like shade, seating, and refreshments.
Being in these areas means you can enjoy the tournament with a touch of opulence. It’s not just about the golf; it’s about savoring the event in style.
Live broadcast screens keep you updated on action elsewhere on the course, while the plush environment allows for relaxed conversations, networking, and even business discussions for corporate attendees.
It’s a unique mixture of sport, leisure, and luxury, tailored for those who want the best seats and best of both the game and the event’s social facets.
Near Practice Areas
The practice areas of a golf course, including the driving range and putting green, often become hubs of activity before the actual tournament play begins and offer the best seats away from the actual competition.
For the golf fan, these spots are goldmines. They offer a closer, more intimate view of players as they fine-tune their games, work on specific shots, and mentally prepare for the rounds ahead.
Being near these areas lets spectators observe the routines that go behind those perfect swings we see on the course.
It’s an opportunity to gain insights into player techniques, their dedication, and the sheer amount of practice that defines their skill level.
It’s also in these zones and areas that players are generally more relaxed, occasionally interacting with fans, signing autographs, or sharing a light moment with fellow competitors.
Tips for First-Time Attendees
Attending a golf tournament for the first time can be an overwhelming experience given the vastness of the course and the multitude of viewing options. Here are some pointers to grab the best seats at a golf tournament for newcomers:
- Scouting: Before settling in, take a walk around the course to identify spots that offer good sightlines and where you feel most comfortable.
- Mobility: Golf is not a static sport. Consider carrying portable chairs or cushions if you plan to switch locations.
- Protection: Ensure you have hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses and umbrellas. Golf tournaments are lengthy, and you’ll be exposed to the elements.
- Stay Hydrated: With all the walking and excitement, it’s easy to forget basic needs. Keep a water bottle handy.
- Follow Etiquette: Respect the ‘Quiet Please’ signs, turn off mobile ringers, and remember to stay still during players’ swings.
By keeping these tips in mind, first-timers can ensure a memorable and enjoyable golf-watching experience.
We have more articles on Golf Tournaments on the site you can check out some of these on the list below.
Conclusion
Selecting the best seats and ideal spot to watch a golf tournament is a blend of personal preference and the kind of experience you’re seeking. Whether it’s the intensity of the 18th green, the panoramic views from elevated areas, or the luxury of premium seating, each vantage point offers its own unique allure.
But beyond the view, it’s the spirit of the game, the camaraderie among fans, and the sheer brilliance of the players that make attending a tournament unforgettable.
So, choose your spot, soak in the atmosphere, and be a part of the timeless charm that is golf.
References
- https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/32djge/eli5_how_does_seating_for_fans_at_pro_golf/
- https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/pga/2015/04/12/best-seat-masters-finish-requires-chair-early-arrival/15658470007/
- https://www.rookieroad.com/golf/what-are-the-best-seats-at-golf-tournament
