Watching the majors at all times whets the appetites of newbie golfers.
And whereas the will to get out and play your native course will increase after seeing the world’s finest in motion, the formidable are pondering larger.
Are you able to really tee it up the place you’ve seen Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele and Bryson DeChambeau strut their stuff? Let’s discover out.
The Masters – Augusta Nationwide – April 10-13
Augusta Nationwide, annual house of The Masters, is without doubt one of the most unique golf equipment on this planet. As with most issues on the famed Georgia venue, there’s a big component of secrecy however it’s understood that there are round 300 members.
So, technique one is to befriend one in all them. Simple. Scroll by means of your cellphone contacts and provides both Invoice (Gates), Jack (Nicklaus), Peyton (Manning) or Condoleezza (Rice) a buzz.
If that appears slightly daunting, there are a few different methods. Volunteers on the Masters get invited to play the course on an “Appreciation Day” in Could. Grow to be one… besides there’s an extended ready record.
Another is to grow to be a golf author! Members of the media at Augusta can enter a poll to play the course the Monday morning after the Masters has completed. Round 28 names come out of the hat, though when you win, you may’t enter once more for seven years.
In brief, no, you may’t simply wade a wad of money on the males in Inexperienced Jackets and get a tee time. It’s all about connections and who you already know.
The PGA Championship – Quail Hole – Could 15-18
Quail Hole in Charlotte, North Carolina, hosted the 2017 PGA Championship received by Justin Thomas, whereas it additionally staged the 2022 Presidents Cup, Davis Love main the People to a 17.5-12.5 victory over The Internationals. It’s additionally the common host of the Wells Fargo Championship, an occasion Rory McIlroy has received 4 instances (2010, 2015, 2021 and 2024).
However making an attempt to hit the pictures Rory has hit received’t be simple. Quail Hole is a personal membership with solely round 350 members. In case you can someway get a advice from a present member, initiation charges are reported to be $100,000! Barely simpler – and less expensive – is to play because the visitor of a member. Rory is one, as are fellow execs Webb Simpson and Harold Varner III.
Like Augusta Nationwide, you’re going to have your work critically lower out to take pleasure in an 18 at Quail Hole.
The US Open – Oakmont Nation Membership – June 12-15
One other nation membership hosts the third main of the 12 months so you already know the place that is going. Sure, Oakmont is a personal membership reserved for its members and visitors so you may’t simply rock up along with your mates and play.
They do maintain some charity occasions for non-members, however it stays a large longshot that you just’d be capable of play the course the place Dustin Johnson (2016), Angel Cabrera (2007), Ernie Els (1994), Larry Nelson (1983), Johnny Miller (1973), Jack Nicklaus (1962) and Ben Hogan (1953) have received the US Open.
Then once more, maybe it’s finest to keep away from the place when you’re an newbie. Why? It could smash your confidence. Right here’s a assessment from a number of years in the past. “I’ve performed Oakmont 4 instances, hate it. A lot too powerful for a six handicap. In case you’re simply 10 or 15 yards off the very slender fairways, it’s a misplaced ball within the excessive grass. I’ve been provided to play it once more by a member. I declined.”
The Open Championship – Royal Portrush – July 17-20
It’s wanting fairly grim thus far for the newbie golf fanatic who needs to stroll within the footsteps of legends.
However fortunately some good previous Irish hospitality saves the day as it’s potential to e book a spherical at Royal Portrush in Northern Eire, the scene of Shane Lowry’s thrilling Open win in 2019.
From their web site: “We’re delighted to welcome guests from all around the world to go to Royal Portrush and take part in a world-class {golfing} expertise in a heat and welcoming atmosphere towards the gorgeous backdrop of the Causeway Coast & Glens space of excellent pure magnificence. To make sure availability, pre-booking of all tee instances is crucial.
“All inexperienced charges are payable in full on reserving and are non-refundable within the occasion of cancellation. Guests are anticipated to be members of recognised golf golf equipment and handicap certificates could also be requested previous to play.”
Inexperienced charges for 2024: £340pp (1 Could to 30 September)
That’s the price for Dunluce Hyperlinks, the Open course. It’s additionally potential to play the neighbouring Valley Hyperlinks for £140pp (1 Could to 30 September).
Caddie rent can also be obtainable. Elite Caddies (Blue Bib) will price £70 + gratuity, with a Trainee Caddie (Yellow Bib) £50 + gratuity.
“As lots of our caddies are from the native space, they may be capable of offer you an perception into the historical past of the broader neighborhood and recommendation on locations to go to to get a really feel for Portrush.”
Tee Time Enquiries: angus@royalportrushgolfclub.comCaddie Enquiries: golfops@royalportrushgolfclub.comOffice/Tee Instances: +4428 7082 2311
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