Before I met my husband, I knew next to nothing about golf. He is a professional golfer on Tour, and I quickly learned the difference between a birdie and a bogey, although the extent of my playing ability is still miniature golf.
In our Palm Beach community, many local celebrities and golf fans alike gather each February/March for the Honda Classic golf tournament, played at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens. Here are a few ways to be an expert golf fan, whether you’re a scratch golfer, or have never picked up a club.
Dress for Success
While you don’t have to wear golf attire (although that is certainly appropriate for a spectator), keep in mind that you will be outside for most of the day. During the spring in South Florida, this can mean cool breezes, or humid 80-degree temperatures, so check the forecast before you head out the door. Also, wear comfortable shoes! I have a favorite pair of sandals that I have walked many miles on the golf course in, as well as casual sneakers that I have paired with sundresses and athleisure outfits alike. Ladies, if you plan to walk the course, wear flats! You will not appreciate your favorite heels sinking sadly into the turf as you follow your favorite golfer.
Autograph Appreciation
One of my favorite aspects of golf is the family friendly atmosphere it offers. It is truly a sport that embraces all ages and levels of ability, and the players interact with the fans in a way that is different from most sporting events. While you walk along the ropes following a group, be respectful, and wait to talk to the players until they are done with their round. If you’d like to ask for an autograph, virtually all players will happily sign a ball, hat, or flag, when they are done with their round; just wait outside the ropes as they walk off the 18th green. Even if a player has a round that isn’t as good as he would like, he will still wait to say hello to the fans.
Silence Your Cell Phone
Since you are outside enjoying a day in the sunshine, take the opportunity to disconnect; and turn off the ringer on your cell phone. Players and fans alike will appreciate the absence of distraction. When I first started going to golf tournaments with my husband, the PGA Tour had a “no cell phone” policy, and even confiscated cell phones from everyone except the players themselves and their families. While that is not the policy now, it is still a good idea to keep your phone on silent, so as not to disrupt the quiet atmosphere of play.
Have Fun
Don’t be afraid to clap, cheer, and congratulate a player on a great shot! The fun of watching the pros is their ability to execute shots that the average player cannot, and it is truly incredible to feel the positive energy that accompanies a PGA TOUR event.
