How to watch a HS golf state tournament?

mikedellgolf · October 23, 2022

There is a Virginia HS state golf tournament championship at Twin Lakes in Clifton Virginia tomorrow and I would like to go and watch it. The tournament has all the players from 1A through 6A schools. I've been to PGA tournaments and there are ropes everywhere and that you can go see from holes 1 through 18, in most cases. I am familiar with Twin Lakes golf course and I don't think it is possible. The question I have is how does one watch a state golf tournament? TIA.

klebs01 · October 23, 2022

It’s been a long time, but when I went to state it was really just parents watching and following their kid. Not even sure my parents were there for all 36 holes. In Wisconsin back then it really wasn’t a spectator event. No ropes or anything. You should really stay back and out of sight if you go. Don’t help or make noise or cheer in any way. Just try to be invisible.

golfandfishing · October 23, 2022

There won’t be anything such as ropes, seats, etc for spectators. If you want to go just go, park in the golf course lot and watch without interfering in any way. You’ll feel out of place pretty quickly is my guess.

SE Gamer · October 23, 2022

2 hours ago, golfandfishing said:

There won’t be anything such as ropes, seats, etc for spectators. If you want to go just go, park in the golf course lot and watch without interfering in any way. You’ll feel out of place pretty quickly is my guess.

This. But while you'll feel out of place, it's doubtful anyone else will think you're out of place.

Played in states all throughout my HS "career". They aren't huge spectator events. No roars of the crowd, lol. Just handful of parents, friends, and family there for support. Maybe a scout or two.

Just don't expect it to be even remotely as exciting as even the lowest tier of mini-tour tourneys. Unless you're going to watch specific players, it'll be a little boring.

Also, be aware you may need to pay for parking. After I graduated HS, I went back and watched a couple friends a year or two later. And am pretty sure I had to pay for parking. But could just be that the place our tournament is held at has very limited lot space.

One final note on the "don't interfere". I generally agree this is really good advice. Only instance I'd think it would be OK is if you happened to be spectating in a spot where you had a good view of where a ball went into a hazard/woods. Having played in these tourneys, I wouldn't have been mad if I were looking for a ball, and someone was like, "hey it's right over there by X". Just don't go over the top and out of your way to be the ball hunting patrol.