Whether the PGA Tour is making a stop in your hometown or you’re making a trip to watch Scottie Scheffler dominate the field, you should know some basics before you go.
I spent time behind-the-scenes at a PGA Tour event, so I’m here to give you the ins and outs of what to expect and how to prepare. My experience took place at Black Desert Resort in Saint George, Utah; but the tips and tricks that follow are applicable at every golf course hosting a PGA event.
What I’ve learned will help you have the best experience the PGA Tour has to offer. Let’s do this.
Footwear
You’re making a HUGE mistake if you don’t wear good walking shoes.
I decided to walk the entire course from Hole 1 to Hole 18, and I logged just under 12,000 steps (which equates to about 5 miles).
You may walk less than I did if you’re planning on camping out at one specific hole or if you have tickets with an assigned seat. If you’re looking to see every ounce of the action, you should really plan ahead when it comes to your footwear.
If you’re accustomed to walking a lot of rounds of golf, you can trust your best spikeless golf shoe. I made the walk in the Nike Free Golf, and I’m honestly impressed at how my feet held up. But if you don’t typically walk many rounds, be sure to put the shoe you’re planning to wear to the test well-beforehand.
Any golf or hiking shoe will do just fine, but you’ll be the most comfortable in a nice and reputable spikeless golf shoe. If you own golf shoes, go spikeless as a tournament spectator.
If you don’t own golf shoes, wear closed toe shoes that are comfortable and meant for walking on all types of terrain. Any closed toe shoe will work, but avoid metal spikes and open toe shoes.
Here are the reviews for a few of my favorite spikeless golf shoes (as of October 2024) if you’re in the market:
adidas S2G Spikeless Leather 24
Clothing
Do some quick research of the dress code of the specific course at which the tournament is being held and do your best to follow a “When in Rome…” approach.
You’ll be safest if you avoid denim, which is often discouraged.
Denim is too casual for the golf course and PGA Tour events. Most tournaments won’t turn you away for wearing denim, but you’ll look out of place. On top of that, denim can also cause chafing and I can assure you that you’ll be miserable if you start chafing mid-tournament.
To keep it simple, dress like you’re going to play a round of golf. It’s hard to go wrong if you’re wearing what the pros are wearing.
This usually looks like nice shorts and a polo for men, and shorts/a skirt and a polo for women. There is room for variation, but you’ll feel the most in place if you dress similar to the pros!
For the men, I’m not talking about basic cargo shorts…grab some nice shorts that are golf specific. Not only will this make you fit in on the golf course, but it’ll give you something to wear during your next round.
Like the theme of Shrek 2, stay far, far away from basketball shorts and tank tops.
Note: If it’s going to rain, bring a rain jacket or a poncho and your best waterproof shoes. A small and collapsible umbrella is generally permitted, but double check the specific course and venue before bringing one.
Weather
This is possibly the most crucial tip I am going to give:
CHECK THE WEATHER FORECAST.
The PGA Tour has a range of courses in an array of locations with varying temperatures. Some are humid, while others are dry. Some are scorching hot, and others are chilly.
As mentioned above, I walked all 18 holes at Black Desert Resort. Utah typically starts to cool down in October. But that’s apparently not always the case, as it was an unfortunate and hellish 96 degrees. If I hadn’t checked the forecast, I would’ve prepped for a much cooler second week of October in Southern Utah. Luckily, I did check and wore my most breathable shorts and a polo. But, had I not, I would’ve been miserable and might’ve ended up with heatstroke.
You should always bring sunscreen and from my research, you’re good to bring your own personal sized sunscreen to most courses. I’d say it’s a safe bet that most golf pro shops have sunscreen for sale as well, but you’ll save money and avoid risk by bringing your own.
On the flip side, you should also prepare for cold conditions depending on the location and time of year for the PGA Tour tournament you’re planning to attend.
The 2007 Masters is a prime example with temperatures dropping all the way down into the 50’s.
If it’s cold, you’ll fit right in with a nice pair of joggers or sweats on the bottom and a plain and fashionable windbreaker or hoodie on top. To top it off, a plain beanie is a good choice. If needed, don’t be afraid to bring a coat as well.
Regardless of whether it’s hot or cold, wearing a hat is par for the course with PGA Tour events. Any hat will do, but you’ll feel the most in place with something simple and sports related.
Proper golf attire is pivotal as an attending golf fan.
Note: Rain doesn’t always indicate a weather delay, but lightning does. The PGA Tour is very mindful of what is safe for spectators. If rain is on your forecast, bring the proper rain gear listed above and make the most of the tournament.
PGA Tour Parking
I was lucky enough to have a media pass for the PGA Tour event that included a parking spot, but I couldn’t help but notice DOZENS of signs indicating where to park if you’re a fan.
Most of the time your tickets will include information on where to park, but make sure you have that info on hand before tournament day. You can usually find this on the tournament site if your ticket email doesn’t let you know.
Get to your parking lot early so you can get to the course on time and be prepared for a slight walk to get into the event.
You’re not going to be walking a 5K or anything, but the majority of PGA Tour courses drop you off close to the course but not right at hole one.
The last thing you want is added delays on your way to what is supposed to be a fun and relaxing afternoon watching golf. Five minutes of research on the tournament’s parking procedures will save you a huge headache in the long run.
PGA Tour Venue Information
The second to last thing I’ll talk about is doing some basic research on the venue beyond the dress code and parking situation.
For example, Black Desert Resort is completely cashless for the PGA Tour Black Desert Championship. If I was a person that typically uses cash, I would be S.O.L.
It’s also worth checking on whether or not they allow outside food and drink, what stores they have, and other things to expect at the venue.
Most venues also have bag restrictions which can cause a lot of issues for fans if you don’t know the regulations and plan beforehand. I’ve seen too many people at other sporting events running around in a full-blown panic trying to figure out where to put their bag. Just like parking, your ticket should include this info. If you can’t find it with your ticket information, you should be able to find it online on the tournament’s website.
Don’t plan on being allowed to bring a bag bigger than a 6”x6” to the tournament. If possible, avoid bags altogether. You can find more information on bags and prohibited items here.
PGA Tour Time Commitment
Last but not least: what am I getting myself into?
This section applies to everyone, but especially to the partners of those that love the game of golf.
If you’re staying an entire day, you should be prepared for 12 hours of golf. Quite frequently, the first tee time is right around sunrise, and the last group usually finishes just before sunset. You don’t need to be there the entire day; but you should know that most courses are usually in operation for those (roughly) 12 hours per day, depending on the time of year.
This can be overwhelming, but there are usually “fan zones” and places to relax, get some food and drink, and recuperate.
Most PGA tournaments have hospitality options that you can purchase that give you a place to sit down, eat some food, and watch some good golf. If that’s a priority to you, look for tickets with these options beforehand so they don’t sell out.
Most of the upgraded ticket options overlook 1-2 holes on the golf course so you’re still getting to watch the action live without having to walk the entire course.
Don’t stress, and you’ll have a good time.
PGA Tour Event Attendance Final Words
PGA Tour events are a blast. It’s a special experience to see the best golfers in the world competing for the biggest prizes and the best trophies in golf.
And just like any successful sporting event, sensible preparation is key to making it run smoothly.
Get your best golf clothes and appropriate footwear, do some research on the weather, venue, and parking, and go have fun watching the best golfers in the world do their thing.
How the Author Golfs
Tyler Allred (19 handicap): Golfs 2-3 times a week spending the bulk of his time playing actual rounds. Mostly pushes himself to improve every part of his game, but also enjoys a casual round of golf every now and then.
