Today I decided to check out the FBR Open, and let me tell you, it was quite an experience! I’m not the most seasoned golf enthusiast, but I’ve always been intrigued by the sport, and this seemed like a great opportunity to finally dive in.

First things first, I had to figure out the best day to go. After a bit of searching online, it turns out that Wednesday, Thursday, or Sunday are the prime days. I opted for Thursday, hoping to catch some good action without the weekend rush.
Getting there was a bit of a mission. I knew that those general admission seats at the 16th hole are first-come, first-served, so I made sure to arrive early. Turns out, that was a smart move. There were already tons of people there when I arrived! I also learned that handicap parking is in Lot 2, right across from the main entrance. Handy to know if you need it.
Before I could even get close to the action, I had to go through a bag inspection. They’re pretty strict about what you can bring in. Opaque bags have to be tiny, no bigger than 6 inches by 6 inches, and they absolutely won’t let you just dump your stuff into a clear bag. It is better to plan ahead, only bring a clear bag not exceeding 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches. I saw a few folks get turned away, so it’s worth making sure you follow the rules. I made a mental note for next time.
Once inside, the atmosphere was electric! So many people, all excited to see some golf. I managed to snag a decent spot and watched some of the players warm up. It was pretty cool to see them in action up close. It also made me realize how important it is to play a practice round if you’re serious about this. Just getting familiar with the course seems like a huge advantage. I even heard some folks talking about having a “game plan” for the day, which sounded intense but also kind of cool.
I spent the day wandering around, taking in the sights and sounds. I even caught a glimpse of some of the big names, though I couldn’t tell you who was winning. It was more about the experience for me. I did pick up that the tournament is held at the Tournament Players Club of Scottsdale, which I guess is a pretty big deal in the golf world. This event has a new name now. I also noticed a bunch of mentions about past winners and low scores, like Tiger Woods’ 19-under at Torrey Pines. Man, that’s impressive!

- Arrive early to get a good spot.
- Check the bag policy to avoid issues.
- Make sure you have a game plan.
- Find out the best day to go.
My Impression
All in all, it was a fun day out. I definitely learned a lot, and it sparked a bit more interest in golf for me. Next year, I might even try to get tickets for a different day or maybe even try to play a round myself beforehand. Who knows, maybe I’ll become a regular at this thing!