Okay, so, I finally got around to going to the Wyndham Pro-Am, and let me tell you, it was a pretty wild ride from start to finish. I’d been meaning to check it out for ages, and this year, I just decided, “Screw it, let’s do this.” So I packed up a few things, made sure I had my phone fully charged for tickets and photos, and headed out.
First things first, getting there was a bit of a mess. I thought I had left early enough, but so did everyone else, apparently. Traffic was a nightmare. I ended up parking a mile away, but hey, at least I got my steps in, right? When I arrived, I went straight to the lost and found place located at the Information Tent at the main entrance and made a note of this just in case.
Once I got in, the atmosphere was electric. There were people everywhere, all buzzing with excitement. I grabbed a map and tried to figure out the best way to tackle the day. I decided to wander around a bit first, just to soak it all in. I walked past the practice area where some of the pros were warming up. I noticed some people wearing golf wear and comfortable walking shoes with soft spikes on. I thought to myself that was pretty professional. Seeing them hit those balls with such precision was mesmerizing. I could have watched them all day.
What to Wear and What to Do
- Dress Code: I saw a bunch of people dressed in casual golf wear. You know, polo shirts, khakis, that kind of thing. Comfortable walking shoes are a must—I can’t stress that enough. Soft spikes only, though. I also noticed a lot of people with windbreakers, hats, and sunglasses. Smart move, especially with the unpredictable weather. Oh, and sunscreen! Don’t forget the sunscreen.
- Etiquette: This was interesting. Everyone was pretty chill, but there were definitely some unspoken rules. Like, when a player was about to hit the ball, everyone would go dead silent and stand perfectly still. It was kind of cool, like we were all in on it together. And people mostly stayed outside the ropes, except when crossing at those designated crosswalks. I saw some volunteers in bright colors directing everyone, which was really helpful.
After wandering around for a while, I decided to pick a spot and settle in for a bit. The cool thing is, you can bring your own foldable golf chairs, which a lot of people did. And get this, people would just leave their chairs in a good spot and come back later, and no one would touch them! Golf fans are pretty polite, it seems. I found a nice spot near the 18th hole, which turned out to be a great decision. I got to see a ton of golfers come through, and the energy there was just amazing. I met some real interesting people with interesting stories while waiting for them to come by. It was quite refreshing and relaxing to hear people’s stories, which made me feel connected to them as human beings. When the players came by, I observed that some pros were mentoring amateur golfers, offering tips and strategies, which I thought was really respectful and made the environment friendly.
Now, about the bags. I saw a few people get turned away at the gates because their bags were too big. The rule is nothing larger than 6”x6”, and no clear bags larger than 12”x6”x12”. I made sure to check that beforehand, so I was good. But it’s definitely something to keep in mind.
The whole day was just a blast. The Wyndham Pro-Am is definitely something special. It’s not just about watching golf; it’s about the whole experience. The people, the atmosphere, the excitement of it all. By the end of the day, I was exhausted, but in the best way possible. I even managed to snag a few autographs, which was a nice bonus.
If you’re thinking about going, I’d say go for it. It’s a day you won’t forget. Just remember to wear comfy shoes, follow the rules, and soak it all in. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll see you there next year!