We are taking a family trip to Orlando and the Arnold Palmer is on while we are down there. I could either go the Friday Saturday or Sunday. I would be brining my 5 year old who absolutely loves golf, but is still a five year old lol. Looking for recommendations on which day to go, tips on what to bring etc. I was thinking maybe the Friday as it would be less busy, but any help is greatly appreciated!
by hammer_fingers
31 Comments
Don’t yell anything stupid after someone hits a shot
Don’t yell idiotic things when the players are trying to swing…
Ya, grab me a hat and a ball marker. Other than that have a blast and listen to the sound when some pros strike the ball
Went Friday last year with my wife it was awesome . Plenty of places to make pit stops not to hectic
It’s pretty straight forward however it is vital that you don’t
If you can splurge for it get the Palmer Patio tickets. The Palmer Patio is covered in most areas, has an internal covered and AC seating area, and has a nice external seating area. Bottled water, pop, and a buffet food setup is included which is well worth it IMO. The type of food being served changes throughout the day. It also includes ground access if you want to go walk around the course. Only thing you have to pay for is alcohol. Oh, private bathrooms for that area which is a big plus as well.
I never want to see a golf tournament another way after going this route lol. Walking around sweating in high 80 degree heat get’s old really fast.
Normal credit card rules don’t apply. Buy as much merch as you want. Future you will figure it out.
Hit em straight. With good course management, you might make the cut.
That’s one of the better events to go to in terms of fan experience. It’s super laid back and very accessible. Bring a Mastercard if you have one. It gets you into different seating areas that are slightly nicer.
glad to read your child loves golf. It can be overwhelming the first time at a tournament. Drink lots of H2O pick one or two spots to watch, that are either tee’s or greens with concessions and restrooms close by.
Go Friday. Pre-cut means more players on the course and more folks spread out.
Take some time following a group that you like so you can see the individual holes. Then when you (and the kid) are tired, spend some time posted up at a good spot around a green and watch groups come through. Then pick a new group and follow for a bit to see more holes. Rinse and repeat.
Phone in airplane mode, choose a hole or follow your favorite, you can’t do both. If allowed, bring comfy seats.
It can be hard to get good views of the guys on the course. The driving range is hugely underrated. Guys warm up starting an hour before their tee times and you can usually get a view in line behind them and watch them send bombs down range
Make your choice between trying to follow certain group or staying on a hole. Personally, I love scouting out a good spot where you can see as much of the action at once. Also, if you’re with a 5 year old, make sure you’re on high ground so they can see over mounds/tv guys to actually see things. Kids also help you get to the front of the ropes!
Weekdays are better as you can see more with smaller crowds. If the finish is good Sundays are best on television as you can follow the action much better. Attending live is about seeing the pros in person and you can do that better on Friday.
It’s hard to follow the ball live from a side view so the best place to be in directly behind the tee or the green. IMO the best spot is behind the green on a par 3.
Don’t be Shit Stack guy
I love following a group of lesser known players early in the day. Crowds will be light, you can get really close to the action and they are still insanely good.
Great spot to sit is behind 2 green. Can then take a shortcut over to behind 6 green from there.
We are going Thursday, Wear good walking shoes and bring a mastercard, Get better access and discounts and for sure hit the pro shop !! And get a pic in front of the statue 🙂
I’d go on Friday if I were you!
Be prepared for parking. This specific event is unique bc you park at Universal Studios and take a charter bus over to the course. The trip isn’t very long, but you have to do that going back too. I feel like it’s worth noting. There are still parking passes available now on resale sites but be prepared for steep rates if you go that route. Pretty sure parking at Universal is free if you’re going to the event.
Once at the event you can either: follow groups, find specific players to go see, or park it on a hole. The best holes to park it on for this event are: 6, 8, 14, and the 17 public grandstand (imo).
Personally I’d go early in the day. It gets really hot in the middle of the day in central Florida. Bring water if you can. There isn’t a ton of options for refreshments, and the options they do have are expensive.
Anytime you see someone swing a club, yell “get in the hole!!” as loud as you can.
I watched Waste Management. I think as long as you and the family get hammered for the entire time you’re there you’ll be fine.
Make sure to bring your clubs to play a practice round like that one dude at the Masters.
https://preview.redd.it/cztmtd66z3kg1.jpeg?width=883&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=dc71e2d2291752446cff32573b997f915169d03e
Keep an eye out for this guy. He’s been at all the big tourneys lately and I hear he’s a blast to hang out with.
Wear comfortable shoes, you will be walking a lot.
I’ve had the most fun following lesser names on the weekends that tee off earlier. The big names have absurd crowds so you barely get to see anything whether it’s the action or the course. Follow the smaller guys to the 18th and set up shop near the 18th green and have fun watching everyone come in.
Get there early, watch everyone at the range. A lot of the time there is a spot for kids (and only kids) to get autographs on or near the practice areas. Drop a mortgage payment in the shop, enjoy concessions, don’t be a loud dick, and have fun.
I haven’t been to the Arnold Palmer but I’ve enjoyed going to other tourneys on any day I’ve gotten the opportunity
Friday will be great as pre-cut means less crowded and more players to see. You’ll be shocked at how free roaming your access at these events is. The course is yours to explore.
Find a spot on a cool tee box or green when it’s quiet and let the top players (and the crowds following them) come to you. You’ll be right on the ropes with a front row view of anyone you want to see. Par 5 tee boxes and par 3 greens are especially cool.
If your son is into autographs, there is usually a designated kids-only area for those (usually somewhere by the practice green or scoring booth/tent). Best to try to catch guys after they finish for the day and come out of the scorers area. No expectations though, if someone just fired a 77 to miss the cut, he may not come through.
Buy some merch, take pictures, be respectful, wear sunscreen, and there’s no need to dress like you might get subbed in.
check out the course in advance and try and grab a good spot where you can see a tee box and green. and then towards the end follow a player or group a few holes and call it a day
Ever see Payne Stewart’s outfits? That’s what you’re supposed to wear.
I’ve brought my kid when they were 4. I would suggest also upgrading tickets so there’s shade or whatever you need maybe actually bathrooms not porta potty . You could also go the cheapest route if you think maybe you won’t be staying long.
I go to API every year and have played Bay Hill a couple dozen times. Some tips:
The better merch is in the pro shop (which is open to the public) and not the main merch tent. The pro shop has the much better Bay Hill logo while the merch tent has the API Mastercard logo.
Friday will definitely be less busy. I would set up in the range bleachers first and watch the pros warm up. It’s amazing to see the consistency. If you’re trying to follow a big name around the course, good luck because it can be tough, especially with a child. I’d recommend setting up on a tee box or green and watching everyone come through.
Have a great time!
Love the advice here, but two things I’ll add, as the father of a young child, is leave when he’s happy. Don’t wait for him to get overtired. Set low expectations for yourself regarding “how much” you two will see. Second, take lots of photos. Of you two together. Of him. Of you. Of golfers. Of other characters you run into. You can never have enough memories. If disposable cameras are still a thing, buy him one.