Hey all - going to the Byron Nelson on Thursday. This is my first time to a PGA Tour event - any tips for a newbie? Best places to watch, where to go, attire, footwear, other. Anything you could let me know, I would much appreciate it.

definitely wear comfortable shoes like Nike running shoes or something of that nature. I'd hang at the driving range , or find a good tee box to stand behind. I also like to get close to a fway where they hit their second shot, find a good par 4 dogleg where you can get close to the player hitting their 2nd shots. Thats cool too. And don't yell "you the man", thats so 1994ish.

First off, have a great time!

I agree its always fun to hang around the range to see the players warm up! Planting yourself at a tee box is interesting because you can compare how players manage the shot...Driver or fairway metal? I've enjoyed watching shots at the green on a good par three as well.

Usually, the tournament issues a pairing sheet in the morning listing the groups and their tee times. You can use this to help find a favorite player or group on the course. If you're wanting to see a crowd favorite, you can move ahead of that group a hole or so to get a good position around a tee box. This allows you to be in place before the crowd following the players leaves the previous green.

Enjoy!

Drink lots of beer

Really - comfortable shoes are good and don't forget a hat and some sunscreen.

Thanks for the tips. Is catching cab after play is done for the day normally a problem (I'm here on business so will need to cab it to and from the course)?

Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses. If its wet, wear 3/4 hiking boots or your golf shoes (don't listen to those who say that's dorky, at the AT&T at pebble, it saves you wet feet and a twisted ankle or knee!!).
Take or buy a mini set of binoculars ($ 10 ones at big5 will work fine, and fit in your pocket).
Go early and goto the range, Print a course map ahead of time, if possible, Get a pairing sheet first off, Figure out who you want to follow (Daly for sure, Cammillo, etc. ) then map out how you can walk with a couple of groups out, then different pairs of groups in.
Finally, make friends with everyone, you never know who will invite you into a corporate tent for free drinks and food. (took me 20 minutes into the gate at pebbleto meet someone, spent 2-6PM in the largest tent on site)
Have FUN!!

In that part of Dallas maybe...put together a list of phone numbers for cab companies and call about 30 minutes before you want to leave and it shouldn't be a problem. And if I remember correctly the course is on the grounds of a Four Seasons hotel...they can probably get you a cab.

--TW

If you are going to be there all day, take the time to walk the course...you might even find an up and comer group and follow them...less crowds to deal with. My favorite is knowing the course so that when I watch the tourney on Sat and Sun, I know the exact setting of the shot they are trying to hit. It really enhances the tournament. You can also try to see the big guys but it's much more difficult to follow them...instead, get ahead of them and get a good seat and wait for them to play through.

I usually arrive very early and place a chair on a particular hole (18 at the memorial, will be on 17 at Oakmont during U.S. Open on Friday this year) and then walk the course and follow a few groups. After walking for a while, I go to my chair, sit, relax, and watch everyone finish up. Have a great time and don't forget to pick up some souvenirs.

Make sure you take binoculars.

Having been to the Nelson many times (I miss Dallas), you will need them in the Pavillion to check out the scenery. Hottest women on earth.

Seriously:
1. Binoculars (I prefer compact ones)
2. Hat
3. Comfortable walking shoes
4. Sunglasses

Bring your wallet for some beers and snacks, your binocs to check out the play and women, your camera to snap pics on the putting green and then post on Golfwrx, sneaks, suncreeen and that is about it.

You will have a blast. Tour events are awesome.

Enjoy it to the fullest.

DG

Thanks for all the tips! I would've never followed a 'lesser known' but am going to do so. Hopefully I can get myself a pair of binocs before the round but don't know if I'll be able to. Would like to get a glimpse of Phil and Daly so maybe I'll try for a bit to do that. And of course, being Cdn, I'm going to try and get a hole in or two of Mikey (Weir).

Oh, I won't be the guy yelling 'get in the hole!' - I hate that.

Can't wait!