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Attend a Senior PGA Golf Tournment

Enjoy the outdoors, competition, a slow pace, and great golf

By Brenda MahlerPublished 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago 4 min read
Top Story - March 2022
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Image from author’s photos

When we retired, knowing we would be living on a restricted income we canceled DISH TV thinking we would not miss it. To our horror, especially my husband’s, only segments of each week’s golf tournaments could be seen with local channels. We missed the extensive commentaries, the backstories, and the personal accounts from the players. We agreed to adjust a budget to include DISH TV and haven’t regretted it once until we noticed the permanent indentation from our butts on the sofa.

It is easy to spend too much time watching TV during retirement — especially when the temperature falls below zero outside. My husband and I found ourselves living vicariously Thursday thru Sunday watching golf tournaments on TV. Our behavior wasn’t intentional; it just happened. Once we noticed the pattern we had adapted, we acknowledged it was time for change.

Not willing to give up golf our decision was easy. We explored golf tournaments closest to our home only to quickly determine that most are quite a distance from us in the northwest, prices for tickets to PGA tournaments are expensive, and the events are extremely busy. So, we explored some more and discovered the availability of the Seniors Tour.

Image of page from souvenir guide from author’s photos.

The Senior PGA Professional Championship tournaments fit our needs perfectly. We bought our tickets online for $30.00 each. Not much more than a movie, popcorn and soda. We traveled in our motorhome from Idaho to California, a comfortable distance. Numerous RV parks offered different options for our stay based upon budget and desired amenities. Since we love to travel, golf tournaments gave us a destination and once settled also allowed us to play some of the courses nearby.

Our Senior Tour experience was at the Hoag Classic. The days traveling to Newport Beach, California we stopped at inexpensive RV parks since we only stayed the night and headed out again. We stayed at Newport Dunes RV Park for 5 days so we could enjoy the area and be close to the tournament. It was a little more expensive than where we normally might stay but we rode our bikes to the course which saved on parking expenses which we discovered can be quite costly.

Image from author's photos.

Image from author's photos.

The Souvenir Guide provides all necessary information. A new booklet is provided upon entry during each day of the event. It provides the names and pairing of all the players for the particular day’s play. A picture of the course allows for easy navigation around the course. Historical information and current data are all included.

Image from author's photos.

For first timers it is best to read the rules before entering the facilities because they are strict about what can be carried in and out. After purchasing beer at $10 a can, we decided we would take a container for water the next day. Better financially but also, everyone knows drinking beer out of a can is a waste of good beer. We packed snacks to enjoy throughout the day.

From experience, we learned to dress in layers. The mornings start out breezy but temperatures climb quickly and storms unexpecting surprise the unprepared. We were lucky to only need a light jacket that we removed when the day warmed. Carry a small stool to give weary legs a rest. There are observation bleachers around some holes, but we followed some of our favorite players and welcomed a place to sit. A short seat works best so the view of others is not obstructed.

We chose to attend the Pro-Am the first day of the event. It allowed us to watch the professionals interact with the amatours in a relaxed, noncompetitive environment. Many fans got autographs and too pictures with the pros. There were fewer restricted areas and many booths to explore. The next day we attended the first day of the tournament and loved to see the many players we have watched over the years. Yes, they are older and do not play much in the larger PGA tournaments, but they are the players we love and have admired for years.

Jim Furyk. Image from author’s photos.

Furyk’s caddie, Mike “Fluff” Cowan. Image from author’s photos.

Fred Couples. Image from author’s photos.

Y.E. Yang. Image from author’s photos.

Besides the players pictured, we had the honor of watching Fred Funk, John Daly, K.J. Choi, Retief Goosen, Mike Weir, Ernie Els, Bernhard Langer, David Duval to name a few.

I challenge all retirees and golfers to check the indentation in your sofa, recliner, or couch. Is it growing to adapt to the size of your posterior? Are you looking for a travel destination? Do you need an adventure? Then book you tickets to attend a Senior PGA Golf Tournament.

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For a good laugh read.

Golfing With My Husband Was Fun? Really It Was!

Golf is a Sport for the Sophisticated. We Play Anyways

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About the Creator

Brenda Mahler

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