There’s something magical about experiencing live sport in person, and the spectator viewing experience at golf is very special. Very few sports allow fans as close to the competitors as golf; while there’s usually a guide rope between you and the players, you feel like you’re right on the course with them. In some cases, you may only be a few feet from the game’s biggest stars as they tee off, sink a crucial putt, or navigate their way out of a tricky patch of rough.
Whether you’ve attended countless golf events in the past or secured tickets to view your first tournament, this guide is here with practical advice and useful tips to help you make the most out of your DP World Tour experience. If you’ve not yet picked which competition you’d like to attend, you can find our Buying DP World Tour Tickets Guide here.
- What to Bring and Wear
- When to Arrive
- Venue Parking & Transport
- Entry Gates
- Finding Your Viewing Area
- DP World Tour Format and Schedule
- Additional Entertainment
- Crowds and Other Fans
- Taking Photographs and Videos
- Autographs
- Merchandise
- Food and Drink
- Toilets/Restrooms
- Leaving and Exiting the Venue
- DP World Tour Etiquette
- Make the Most of It
What to Bring and Wear
Unless the event is one of the few on the DP World Tour – such as the Indian Open – that are typically free to enter with no tickets or pre-booking required, the most important thing to remember to bring with you will, of course, be your tickets. These are typically delivered digitally as e-tickets, but if you have a physical ticket or printed them off then make sure you have them on your person when you set off. Otherwise, make sure they’re readily accessible on your phone, and keep your phone fully charged – which will come in handy anyway while you’re attending an all-day event! You may even want to bring a portable phone charger, although there may be rare occasions where phone-charging facilities will be available at some tournaments.
When it comes to dressing for the occasion, the most important thing to remember is that you’ll be outdoors throughout the day and spending much of it on your feet, potentially doing a lot of walking over hilly or uneven ground, so sensible clothing and shoes are a must. You don’t need to dress like you’re there to break out the clubs yourself, but broken-in shoes with some grip – trainers or walking shoes will usually suffice – and light, comfortable-fitting clothes will serve you well. Some fans consider wearing golf shoes to be unnecessary – even caddies don’t wear them – but if you’d prefer to go this route, be sure to check if spiked shoes are permitted before you attend. Metal spikes in particular are likely to be prohibited.
The DP World Tour spans events year-round in a wide range of climates and there’s often little shelter from the elements, so it’s a good idea to check the forecast in advance if it’s set to be cold and wet or hot and sunny. Koobit’s Destination tabs on event pages show you the current weather and the average weather for the time of year so you can prepare accordingly. Bring waterproofs or an umbrella if it’s set to rain, just be mindful of other spectators’ views if you’re using the latter. If it’s going to be hot, you’ll be thankful for bringing a hat, sunglasses, or sun cream.
If you’re going to be spending the day in a covered or even climate-controlled hospitality pavilion, you’re afforded a bit more flexibility and may also prefer slightly more formal wear – just remember, you may still need to navigate the course to reach your venue of choice!
Bags and rucksacks are usually permitted at most DP World Tour events, although some might dictate a size restriction, so be sure to check in advance. Likewise, outside foodstuffs such as picnics and hampers are usually prohibited, but some events may permit you to bring a small snack or soft drink, so it pays to confirm before you go. Some events have water stations and encourage bringing reusable bottles, while alcohol is always prohibited from being brought in. In any case, most events usually have a range of on-site catering options where you can purchase food and beverages. Larger events will naturally have more extensive offerings. If you don’t want to spend all day on your feet but don’t fancy sitting on the grass, you can usually bring a folding chair with you. Insect repellant may also be useful depending on when and where your event is held.
The following items are among those commonly prohibited at DP World Tour events:
- Weapons of any kind
- Computers or laptops
- Ladders, crates, or boxes
- Pyrotechnics
- Musical instruments or megaphones
- Drones
- Bicycles, scooters, or other ride-on equipment except those used as mobility aids by registered persons
- Pets (except for service animals)
You can find the complete list of prohibited items on the DP World Tour’s official website. If there’s anything you’re unclear as to whether it’s permitted at a particular event, you can email the DP World Tour’s ticketing team in advance at ticketing@europeantourgroup.com.
When to Arrive
If you want to make the most out of your DP World Tour spectator experience, then it’s a good idea to arrive as early as possible. Play usually starts early in the morning, with gates sometimes even opening at or prior to 07:00.
By arriving at or shortly after the gate opening time, not only will you get to take in all the action throughout the day but also explore the course and familiarise yourself with the layout before it becomes too crowded. Likewise, if you’re hoping to secure a seat in a public grandstand or a front-row spot at a popular hole, arriving early is key.
Venue Parking & Transport
Like any event, you’ll enjoy a smoother time attending a DP World Tour competition by planning your journey in advance, particularly if you plan on getting there early. Popular events often have on-site or nearby parking for spectators via a Park & Ride system, and this can sometimes be pre-booked. You can find out more about this in our guide to buying DP World Tour tickets.
Likewise, if you’re utilising public transport or taking a taxi or rideshare service, booking your tickets or trip in advance can potentially net you a better price and make things easier; local services can be much busier and in higher demand during tournament week, so you don’t want to be waiting lengthy periods for an Uber to become available, for example. Arriving by car is usually the most convenient method, whether you’re driving or being dropped off, due to the remote location of most golf courses, but this will vary from event to event.
Congestion can be an issue when trying to leave, however, so be sure to account for delays in getting away from the course when making your plans. Before you depart, check your route planner early in case of any closures or delays that might impact you.
Entry Gates
Most DP World Tour events will have a single main spectator entrance, although some larger tournaments may have multiple gates. Although many golf events will have their main spectator entrance and the course’s main entry be one and the same – often by the clubhouse – this is not always the case, so follow event signage and check course maps to confirm.
Upon arrival, your ticket will usually be scanned by a volunteer or member of the security staff, and there will likely be a quick security check or bag search. Depending on what time you arrive and the size of the event, there may be little-to-no queue or a moderate wait to get through the doors.
Finding Your Viewing Area
Grounds or General Admission tickets provide access to all public fan areas – often known as Fan Villages or Championship Villages – and grandstands, if the event has them (some also have grandstands that require an add-on ticket to enter). This gives you free license to explore the entirety of the course if you wish, whether you want to follow a specific group of players throughout their round or pick a particular hole to set up at and watch each group as they pass through. Some spectators do a mix of both, following a group throughout the morning before returning to their favourite hole in the afternoon to settle. Volunteers and stewards will be on hand to guide or direct you around the course, but you can also scout it out in advance by attending one of the practice rounds or Pro-Am days prior to the tournament. These days are usually cheaper to attend, too, or sometimes even free entirely.
One thing to bear in mind if you’re hoping to follow popular players such as Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, or Viktor Hovland is that many other spectators will have the same idea; competing with big crowds for a view of the course can mean you spend as much time walking between holes as you do taking in the action.
If you plan on settling at a particular hole, it’s worth checking in advance if a course has a “signature” hole such as an exciting par-3. If the 18th is where you want to be so you can take in all the final-hole drama, it’s good to get there an hour or more in advance of the final group to secure the best views.
DP World Tour Format and Schedule
DP World Tour events typically last 4 days, Thursday to Sunday, with each player completing a full round of 18 holes per day. Players take approximately 4 hours to complete a round, and they tee off in a staggered order from early morning through lunchtime, with the last to set off typically finishing around 18:00. If severe weather interrupts play, if they’re able to resume after then play will continue until it goes dark. If a round cannot be completed that day, it will usually be completed early the following day. In rare cases, this can result in golf tournaments finishing on a Monday.
Many tournaments feature a cut over the weekend whereby half the field are eliminated after the 2nd round, so on Saturdays and Sundays play usually doesn’t start quite as early or finish quite as late. If there is more than one player tied for the lead atop the leaderboard on Sunday, however, that will result in a sudden death playoff in which the featured players replay select holes until one of them can be separated.
Additional Entertainment
As well as food and beverages for purchase, Championship Villages often boast additional entertainment including activities, games, and exhibitions, as well as live music after play has been completed. Some tournaments feature dedicated children/family areas featuring even more entertainment for youngsters.
Some larger tournaments may also feature additional events such as celebrity challenges or golf clinics led by pros offering tips to refine your game.
Crowds and Other Fans
Compared to many other sports, watching golf is a typically more serene experience in terms of atmosphere. That’s not to say there’s no passion or noise to be found on the DP World Tour – larger events like the Scottish Open, BMW PGA Championship, and DP World Tour Championship attract a lot of spectators and invite a healthy atmosphere – but it’s not quite as rowdy as the PGA Tour or the Ryder Cup can be at times.
Unless you’re crowded around the 18th hole watching the final putt or part of a congregation following Rory McIlroy, the beauty of being in a wide-open space like a golf course is that you’ll rarely find yourself in any claustrophobic situations, so it’s always easy to get a breather if you need one.
Taking Photographs and Videos
Cameras (except video cameras) are generally permitted during practice rounds and Pro-Am days, but these are prohibited during tournament rounds without proper accreditation. Mobile phones are permitted throughout, but whether photos are allowed during tournament rounds can vary between events; generally, photos taken for personal use with your phone on silent and with the flash off will be fine, but live-streaming, real-time/shot-by-shot coverage, or disturbing the players in any way is not permitted.
Autographs
According to the DP World Tour website, spectators are prohibited from asking for player autographs due to social distancing. During tournament rounds spectators will generally be kept away from players – many of whom might be too focused to engage much with the crowd anyway – but it may be possible during practice rounds when the atmosphere is a little more relaxed.
Merchandise
Larger DP World Tour events will usually have merchandise available for purchase including shirts, hats, and other DP World Tour-branded golf accessories. There will usually be a merchandise tent in the Championship Village, if there is one to be found.
Should you wish to wear your purchase on the day you might want to buy it in advance, which you can do at the DP World Tour’s official online shop. You may also find better prices online.
Food and Drink
With the DP World Tour typically spanning events in the region of 25 countries each season, a wide variety of food and beverages may be available. Larger events will invariably have more options, and you can expect a range of hot and cold concessions available for purchase in both the Championship Village and potentially multiple outlets and food trucks around the course, too.
Sandwiches, burgers, and fish and chips are common staples, but you might also find barbecue, international street food, and kimchi, not to mention sweets such as cakes, pastries, ice cream, or crepes. Non-alcoholic options will typically include water (water refill stations will also often be available), fruit juice, soft drinks, tea, and coffee. For those of you looking for something a bit harder, beer or cider may be available. If you’re in hospitality, you can typically expect beer, wine, and potentially also spirits to be available.
Once you’ve grabbed your snacks, you can eat them at the catering area, which may even have screens showcasing the action, or take them out onto the course or into a grandstand. DP World Tour events are increasingly cashless, so it’s a good idea to have a card or payment app available just in case.
Picnics and picnic hampers are prohibited from DP World Tour events, but in some cases you may be able to bring small snacks or non-alcoholic drinks of your own; you can double check in advance of a tournament by emailing the DP World Tour’s ticketing team at ticketing@europeantourgroup.com.
Toilets/Restrooms
Most toilet facilities available to the general public at golf events are portable facilities. There’s usually multiple set up around the course, particularly at larger events, so you’ll rarely be too far away from a toilet. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that compared with an in-stadium sporting event, they will often take longer to get to. If possible, you’re better off using the facilities earlier in the day before too many people have had chance to use them – as with any busy outdoor event, they don’t tend to stay clean for very long.
If you have a hospitality ticket, many premium venues at golf events have private facilities, so not only will you not have as far to travel – or as long a queue – you can also expect them to be much cleaner throughout the day. Likewise, any tickets or hospitality passes granting clubhouse access will ensure you have the option of using permanent facilities.
Leaving and Exiting the Venue
You’re free to leave the golf whenever you please, although it’s worth bearing in mind that many events will have a “no returns” policy in effect, so you might not be able to come and go if that’s your plan. Plenty of fans will stay to watch the final putt, particularly on Sunday when the winner is decided, but it can pay to leave a little earlier to beat the worst of the crowds, especially if you’ve been there since the crack of dawn and feel like you’ve had your money’s worth for the day.
Leaving DP World Tour events can be somewhat hectic at times, with large crowds often heading for a single exit and then trying to get away from the course/car park. Traffic and car park management will vary in quality between events, but even when organised well it can still be slow to get away due to congestion, so you’ll want to factor that into your plan for the day. If you’re getting picked up from the event, whether by family, a taxi, or a rideshare service, it’s a good idea to co-ordinate your pick-up time and location ahead of time. Many events will have designated pick-up points nearby, but these areas often won’t allow parking or staging.
DP World Tour Etiquette
The spectator etiquette expected at DP World Tour events is largely the same as what you’d expect at any event on any golf tour. Being courteous and respectful to your fellow fans and ensuring you don’t disturb the players, particularly when they’re preparing to take a shot. Marshals will often hold up quiet signs during these moments, so don’t talk or cheer until after the ball has taken flight. Shouting something to the effect of “get in the hole” immediately after a shot might not ingratiate you with your fellow fans, however.
Stewards will also be on hand to direct you or provide health and safety instructions – listen to them and don’t try to slip inside the ropes or into any other restricted area if you want to remain at the event. Likewise, to save yourself from the possibility of embarrassment or worse, injury, be mindful of your surroundings and the terrain, and don’t run.
Whether you’re out on the course with your mates or keen to get your money’s worth at the open bar in the expensive hospitality area you have access to, be sure to enjoy alcohol responsibly. No one wants their day spoiled by rowdy or drunken behaviour, and it can be a fast-track way to getting ejected from the event.
Make the Most of It
As discussed above, there’s lots of things you can do to enhance your experience at the DP World Tour. Planning ahead and arriving early will ensure a much smoother, more enjoyable, and fuller experience on the day, and don’t try to see everything and every player in action. Golf tournaments last 4 days, so if you’re attending more than one you can try to experience multiple different groups, holes, and viewing strategies and find what works best for you.
As with attending any live event, part of the experience is accepting that – for all your planning – there's always a chance of delays or other minor issues. Account for them in your plan and allow some extra time and it won’t spoil your time. And most importantly, whether you’ve managed to snag tickets for the Saturday at a tournament local to you or you’re attending all 4 days as part of an international trip, remember to have an amazing time!