Trip report: Hero World Challenge at the Bahamas

2,121 Views | 12 Replies | Last: 6 yr ago by 19AG84
watty
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AG
I realize many of you have done many cooler things when watching golf, but for me, this was a big bucket list item: to see Tiger Woods in person. I realized this tournament would be perfect, not because of the clout of the tournament, which is minimal at best, but because of the small galleries and access to be able to walk the whole round with Tiger. No other tournament on US soil would let me have such an easy time watching Tiger. Also, I just don't know how many more tournaments he will even play. Figured it was now or possibly never. Not to mention, he doesn't visit Texas at all unless he maybe eventually qualifies for the Match Play again, but having been there, it would be impossible to follow Tiger for a whole round and get many good views.

Anyway, this worked out because I had free Hyatt nights and free Southwest points so it was crazy cheap, and tickets for the tournament are only $50 each.

Long story short, the experience was incredible. Walk right in and watch Tiger on the range, without having to fight much of a crowd. Stood right behind him and listened to him talk to his caddy and watched him warm up.



He got going and made a couple early birdies, hitting it well. After the first tee shot, we were walking up and heard the lady in front of us saying to these little kids dressed in red "isn't this so neat to get to see your dad like this?" And yeah, it was Tiger's kids and their nanny/Tiger's girlfriend (?). So we were near or next to them quite a bit during the round.



Tiger played well and made a nice eagle on the par 4 7th hole.



The guy I went with was a big tennis fan so imagine his joy when he realized Nadal was walking with Tiger's group.



Tiger hit a really good bunker shot here and I was just playing with different photo editing looks.



As you can see, small galleries allowed us to have front row access to basically every shot.











Anyway, it was an awesome experience and I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to go see a good field for a cheap price in a very relaxed environment. With just a couple exceptions, the course is spectator-friendly. And if you stay at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, which is the official hotel of the event (and is an awesome property), there is a free shuttle to and fro the golf course.

It was also fun since basically all the NBC/Golf Channel people stayed there too, and while the players didn't stay there, they came to the casino and restaurants a lot. I met tons of Golf Channel people and saw some celebs, and I was only there Saturday and Sunday. Word is, lots more (including Tiger) were on property throughout the week.
AggieEyes
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AG
This is so amazingly cool man - thanks for sharing!
antman8504
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Pignorant
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AG
Awesome!
_lefraud_
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AG
So awesome. As a huge Tiger fan, I am mad I hadn't thought of this myself. I am thinking this would be a great birthday present for my self next year. Ready to book now!
kwammer
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Sounds like a great trip...
Since you mentioned it, how was that new Hyatt? Big Hyatt guy as well and always on the lookout for places to redeem points.
watty
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AG
It's awesome. Nice rooms, nice casino, great pools, good restaurants, good service. I enjoyed every single thing about the place.
Yesterday
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AG
Very jealous right now! Putting this on the calendar for next year. Sounds like a great trip even if Tiger isn't playing.
JYDog90
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AG
Very cool...and I don't even like Tiger. Thanks for sharing!
Formerly Willy Wonka
watty
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Definitely would be good for any golf fan even if you aren't a Tiger fan. I mean, this year there was Spieth, DJ, Fowler, Rose, Thomas, and several others. Just really hard to beat that kind of access. And the whole vibe is very laid back. They're competing, but at the same time, they're all just at the Bahamas for a glorified exhibition. Yes, you miss out on the intensity of a big time event, but the trade off is well worth it.

Also, for just $200,000, you can play the pro am and have 4 passes to walk inside the ropes with one of the top players and be invited to the various VIP parties that were thrown. Chump change.
Matsui
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AG
Outstanding!
agsalaska
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AG
Well done
_lefraud_
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AG
watty said:

Definitely would be good for any golf fan even if you aren't a Tiger fan. I mean, this year there was Spieth, DJ, Fowler, Rose, Thomas, and several others. Just really hard to beat that kind of access. And the whole vibe is very laid back. They're competing, but at the same time, they're all just at the Bahamas for a glorified exhibition. Yes, you miss out on the intensity of a big time event, but the trade off is well worth it.

Also, for just $200,000, you can play the pro am and have 4 passes to walk inside the ropes with one of the top players and be invited to the various VIP parties that were thrown. Chump change.
Well I know what I'll be doing with part of my Powerball winnings next year!
19AG84
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AG
Tiger is back (hopefully)!!!!! Thanks for sharing. My Pro and I were discussing Tiger. All you have to ask someone is if they watched more golf when Tiger was playing, or when he was injured. The answer is overwhelming...playing.
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