GolfWRX’s forums are filled with singular enthusiasts for the game. Often, we focus on WRXers vast equipment knowledge and perspectives, but it’s worth remembering that many in the forums have been watching the professional game since moppy hair and flared pants were common sights on the PGA Tour’s fairways.

Thus, it’s interesting to hear what GolfWRX members have to say about their first experiences at PGA Tour events.

Thread-starter Rayley001 told this tale of his first tourney.

“Thinking about this the other day and my dad took me to see the Jackie Gleason Inverrary Classic back in 1974. The winner was Leonard Thompson and the first place check was 52,000 dollars. We went into the main dining room for breakfast and saw Flip Wilson and George Kirby who signed my golf program. We also saw Jackie and Bob Hope play together. Great time for a 14 year old kid. Also saw Ben Crenshaw hit a great drive that seemed to go a long way! Those were the days!”

Bbedell had a close encounter with a large feline

“The Fry’s at Corde Valle in San Martin CA. First time was the only year that Tiger played the tourney. Got a fist bump from him as he walked onto the first tee. So weird…he walks down the walkway with his head down, not acknowledging anyone. I yell “let’s go Eldrick!” and he looks up and makes eye contact, so I instinctively hold my fist out and BOOM. Everyone (including my wife who is in love with Tiger) looks at me like I just shook hands with Jesus.”

Handfull says

“1997 western open at cog hill. The crowds following Tiger were insane. Saw him hit an iron approach that was 230+ yards to a severely protected green and remember thinking I could never pull off that shot no matter how many tries I got. Also remember how terrible slow play was even back then.”

Drewtaylor21 says

“The first professional tournament I walked was the Tri Cities Open on the Nike Tour, back in 1994 I believe. One of my cousins, John Connelly, was playing the Tour back then and the event was just over an hour from my hometown of Yakima, WA, so we drove over to watch him play. I had only hit a few balls around a park and played a tiny par 3 course at the time, but was just starting to get interested in golf and it was pretty cool to see a relative playing at a high level, even though I had no idea what was going on! He shot 66 that day and made it look very easy. I remember meeting him after the round at the range and he let me hit a few balls with his 7 iron. I remember it feeling like the heaviest club I’d ever picked up (probably x100’s hard stepped lol), but I got a few airborn and that was a success at the time! One cool note was that 7 years later I would get to play the same (private) course as a part of our high school district tournament. I got into a 4-for-1 playoff for the last spot to State. I birdied the first playoff hole, then went par-bogey to be 1st alternate. Never got in, but traveled with my teammate who qualified and eventually watched Ryan Moore go on to win.”

Vaca22 says

“Mine was the 1994 Canon GHO, now currently known as the Travelers Championship. At that time I believe it was the most attended tournament on the PGA tour for many years, now only surpassed by the WM Phoenix Open.

Some neat things I remember:

• Nice Price arguing with Squeaky Medlin over a 2 yard difference of opinion into a par 4
• A group of fans following Greg Norman with shark fin hats
• Harbor Bars, a vanilla-filled chocolate chip ice cream sandwich dipped in chocolate.
• The champion, David Frost, won a cool $216,000 check as top prize.”

This is a truly excellent thread that you’ll want to check out. Some special, special memories and unique reflections.

Read what GolfWRX members have to say and share your recollections of your first tournament experience.