Attendence for PGA Tour in WDW

[p2oh]

The dates for the Funai Classic this year are 10/16-10/22. Has anyone been to the parks while this is going on? Is it packed beyond belief? My BF is a HUGE golf fan and would love to go to at least the practice rounds, I am just worried about the effect it will have on crowds and such. Can anyone give me any insight? Also, are any of the course open to play that week? TIA!

 

[jarestel]

We've been twice ( coincidentally, not on purpose ) during the Funai. The parks weren't bad at all, quite manageable. Of course, we didn't try to get into the event itself, so I don't know what it was like on the golf courses.

Have a great trip!

 

[p2oh]

I am not worried about the event, he can have that all to himself, as a matter of fact I am kind of excited about doing a couple of days of solo exploring. lol

 

[Focusdude]

We were there when it was the Olds Classic - a few years ago! There were no crowd problems - and if you are a golfer, you get to see a few pros out on the course! We played LBV, and some pro golfers were playing random holes, and were very nice to us (it was embarassing to let them see my lack of golfing ability though).

 

[p2oh]

MY DBF would be thrilled, he loves to follow them around durring the practice rounds, not my cup of tea, but if I get to spend some time in WDW I am all about it. It is the perfect vacation for both of us. I just want to make sure there are some courses open for him to play while we are there too. It sounds like there is so I am pumped!

 

[Focusdude]

When I was there - the only course they used was LBV - but that may have changed! Have fun!

 

[patgoofy1]

they only use 2 courses, palms and magnolia. so the other 3 disney courses are usually open. they may be a little more crowded than usual at the courses that are open.

 

[p2oh]

That is very helpful to know! Thanks!

 

[lsutigger2]

p2oh - that's exactly what Dh and I have done the last couple of years. Dh actually voluteers at the tournament. He has been a walking scorer for 3 of the 4 days of the tournament for the last two years. He loves "hob-nobbing" with the pros! I go to the parks and he works at the tournament. It works for us! Getting in to the tournament is easy, just pay your money so your DBF may want to go on the days of the tourney, not just the practice rounds. If he is interested in volunteering, go to WDW Sports Enthuaist (sorry that's a hard word to spell and I don't think I did it right!!) and they have a place to sign up. Cruise around the Disney web site some and maybe you'll be able to find it. We won't be there in 2006 'cause DH will be working.
Let me know if you have other questions.

 

[kirbsam]

We were there the saturday and sunday of this years tournament and the rest of the week. In my opinion, the crowds at the park were not affected by the tournament.

 

[p2oh]

lsutigger2,
That sounds perfect! How early can you sign up? I found the site but all of the events are for January. Do you remember about what time you registered? And is there a specific amount of time you have to volunteer, like a number of days? Thanks so much for all of the info. If I could pull this off it will be the perfect trip!

 

[MickeyDuffer]

My family and I have gone to the tournament the past 5 years. I've always played in the tournament as an amateur (birthday present to myself) while the family visits the parks. Like other posters - I would agree that the parks are not affected by the tournament.

As for the tournament, if your BF wants to get close to Tiger Woods, have him attend the practice rounds on Tuesday and Wednesday but he will need to get there VERY early. Tiger will tee off at the crack of dawn (715am) and be done by 10am BUT it is the perfect opportunity to see him without a million people around him. Tiger was even nice enough this past October to join us for a family picture on his 3rd practice hole. He is VERY nice and will sign as many autographs as you want early in the morning BEFORE the crowds get big.

Have fun....

 

[lsutiggeratwk]

p2oh - this is lsutigger2 (don't tell anyone, but I'm at work)
Anyway, I think he signed up pretty early. Maybe during May. I really don't remember. I'll see if I can find any other info when I return home. A phone call to the pro shop at one of the courses may be good. The more rounds you work, the better the incentive. My DH got 2 free rounds of golf and a one day park pass last year and this year for working three days - one round each day. We're going in early February so he can use his free golf voouchers!
There are a variety of jobs and this past year they were still looking for volunteers pretty close to the date of the tourney.
Hope you can do this.
And as others have indicated, I don't think park attendance is greatly affected by the tournament.