Getting the Ball Rolling
I got the itch to see the PGA tournament live after watching highlights last season. Been dreaming about Texas vibes and golf action, so this month I started piecing together a Dallas trip. First thing I did? Grabbed my laptop at 7 am with cold coffee and searched tournament dates like a maniac. Found out it’s happening late April – perfect weather season. Immediately texted my golf buddies begging them to ditch work Friday.
Ticket Tango and Hotel Hassles
Ticket buying was brutal. Refreshed that damn site eight times when sales opened. Got the cheapest daily grounds passes since I just wanna roam between holes Friday/Saturday. Pro tip: They’re sneaky with fees – my $90 tickets became $120 real quick. Then came hotel panic. Every decent place near TPC Craig Ranch was either sold out or cost more than my car payment. Ended up booking a Holiday Inn Express 20 minutes away after stalking Trivago three nights straight. Cost me $240 per night but at least breakfast’s included.
- Rental car fiasco: Thought I’d save cash taking Uber. Nope! Calculated roundtrips to course plus dinners – would’ve bled $300+.
- Hail Mary at Hertz: Found a midsize sedan for $65 daily by booking through Costco Travel last Tuesday. Their coupon codes actually worked for once.
- Forecast roulette: Texas weather apps showed thunderstorms one minute, sunshine the next. Threw a rain jacket and four hats in my bag yesterday.
Gear & Grub Prep
Tournament rules say no big backpacks or umbrellas – almost packed both. Dug out my college drawstring bag instead. Charged two power banks for photos since they confiscate charging cables at security (weird rule). Called the course about food – overpriced BBQ sandwiches and $8 beers. My play? Hitting Walmart tomorrow for peanut butter packs and beef jerky. Can’t survive tournament walking on course hot dogs alone.
Final Countdown Chaos
Today’s checklist meltdown: Printed parking pass (forgot first try). Found out my “comfy” golf shoes gave me blisters last year. Bought mole foam at 7-Eleven ten minutes ago. Flight leaves at 6am tomorrow so I’m currently throwing shirts into a suitcase while triple-checking my ticket barcode. Partner thinks I’m nuts planning every minute, but hey – I ain’t missing Spieth’s tee-off because I’m lost in Dallas traffic. Will update y’all with live shots from the greens!
