I'm going to the first round with my son. I'd appreciate suggestions as to how to best watch the Open. I've only been to one other tournament, and that (the Westchester Classic) did not have either Tiger or Phil, so the crowds were much smaller than they will be on Thursday.

I'd like to see a decent chunk of Tiger's round and catch some of Phil's round in the afternoon. With this in mind, what strategy would you suggest? Can one see (I'm only 5'8") adequately if part of Tiger's gallery, if not right in front of the crowd? Are those periscope devices sold at the course, and do they work well?

If we decide to follow Tiger for a while, and then sit in the bleachers for a while, where would be a good place to sit? Also, if we decide on this "follow for a while, then sit for a while" strategy, are we likely to find that all of the seats will be occupied?

Any other viewing tips will be greatly appreciated. By the way, I'm 61, which I guess might make a difference in your suggestions.

Thank you very much.

rteach1

P.S.- By any chance are there any areas with real bathroom facilities, as opposed to porta-potties? Post #: 1

Are you talking about Turnberry?

Phil's crowd will be enomous, much larger than any other group. Tiger's crowd will be exponentially larger. It is like a tidal wave when his group moves.

Most of the time, tournaments have one in the morning and one in the afternoon on Thursday/Friday. As I understand it, it helps with TV ratings to have one of them playing late on Friday. If so, you should be able to see both of them.

At Winged Foot, we spent a good bit of time walking with Phil on Saturday. We got the best results by walking ahead of him and letting him come to us. We didn't see every shot, but we got a good look at the ones we did see. If you try to "walk with him," the crowds will make it hard to see much.

When I go to a tournament, I always carry a good pair of compact binoculars (Nikons). They really help.

Periscope is a must if you want to catch a glimpse of Tiger. I walked Torrey Pines on Sunday last year and the gallery was ten deep around him. Needless to say, I didn't even bother hanging around 18th green for that exciting finish. Have fun.

I'm going to the first round too. When Tiger plays in Norton, MA every year the best way is to walk ahead of the group he's in: If he's on the tee, be down the fairway. if he's in the fairway be at the green. And if you want to see him up close, pick a spot a couple holes ahead and wait at the tee or green.

A periscope helps but they are 50-60 bucks minimum and I just can't justify that for something I'll probably never use again. I will be bringing a small pair of binoculars though.