With the AT&T National making its debut this week at Congressional Country Club, here are tips for spectators.
How to watch Tiger: Get a jump on the pack. Tiger Woods, obviously, will draw a huge throng. To get a view of him along the ropes, you need to get a hole or two in front and stake your spot at a tee or a green. Another option — come early this morning. He tees off in the Earl Woods Memorial Pro-Am today at 6:30 a.m.
Who to follow (other than Tiger): The best threesome, not including Tiger, will be Phil Mickelson, Adam Scott and Brad Faxon. They tee off opposite of Woods — Thursday morning and Friday afternoon.
Who to follow (for fun): Fred Funk. High Point graduate and former University of Maryland coach always draws an enthusiastic gallery, especially here, where he plays to cheers of “Fear the Turtle.” At age 51, Funk still is a major presence on the PGA Tour, resisting the easy money available on the Champions circuit. Has made the cut the last four weeks, finishing fifth at the Travelers. Has earned $1.13 million this year.
Who to follow (other locals): PGA Tour veteran Olin Browne (St. Albans) and PGA rookie Steve Marino (W.T. Woodson) are in the field. Marino, who ranks No. 8 in driving distance (300.7 yards), has guaranteed himself a spot on the tour next year, already earning more than $1 million.
Who to follow (for boom boom): The tour’s three longest drivers — Bubba Watson (315.1), J.B. Holmes (311.5) and late addition John Daly (310.5) — are in the field.
Who to follow (for ladies): Camilo Villegas. The 25-year-old from Medellin, Colombia, is one of the most fit and stylish players on the tour.
Who to follow (for the future): NCAA champion Jamie Lovemark, 19, who just completed his freshman year at USC, might be the most talented teenage player in the world.
Viewing spot (front 9): From hillsides surrounding the par-three No. 7, fans can also watch action on the treacherous No. 6, a long par-four. They also can catch the action on these two holes from the Grey Goose tent.
Viewing spot (back 9): From the right spot on hillside behind the green at No. 10, fans can also see action on the critical signature hole, No. 18.
Viewing spot (practice): Putting green. In addition to watching players hone their syrupy strokes, this is the place to go to watch the pros up close, interacting with fans, caddies and each other.
Where to sit: Great seats will be available in the top row of the bleachers behind the green at No. 9. From here fans can watch players tackle the longest hole on the course. They also can watch the busy scene at the putting green and outside the pro shop.
Where to sit (Part II): Bleacher seating is available at the greens behind the following holes — No. 11, No. 14, No. 16. There also are small bleacher areas at the driving range and in the shade behind the first tee.
Where to go to go for a drink: Next to the 17th hole is a large area for food service. After play is complete, live music will be featured each evening in this area.
Where to go for autographs: 9th or 18th green. Trying to catch a pro when he is in pre-round preparations is dicey. Best to hit him after his round is complete and he hassigned his scorecard.
Where to go for technology: Tournament sponsor AT&T will provide complimentary wireless smartphones to 500 fans each day which will provide scores, games, and messaging. They will be available at entrance gates.
Where to go after hours: Downtown Bethesda. During tournament week, pros can often be spotted in the trendy restaurants here and on Rockville Pike. Some of the favorite hangouts are Rio Grande, Tommy Joe’s, Jaleo and Willie & Reed’s.
