Sports

PGA Tour: Proper Etiquette for Watching AT&T National at Congressional

What to bring, what to leave behind and how to behave at the pro golf tournament.

Heading to the Congressional Country Club for the AT&T National this week?

If so, you'll need to plan out more than just your transportation in advance. Consider what you'll bring, how you'll bring it, what shoes you'll wear (there'll be walking), what to eat and what camera to bring...or not bring.

What to bring/what not to bring:

The following items are not permitted on the golf course, according to the AT&T National website:

  • No cameras, video cameras or other devices capable of taking a photograph are permitted starting Thursday, when the tournament begins.
  • No radios, TVs, signs or banners.
  • No coolers or beverages.
  • No alcoholic beverages may enter or leave the tournament grounds.
  • No large camera-carrying cases, chair-carrying bags, backpacks, packages and other carry items larger than a small purse. Any of these will be confiscated. This includes diaper and baby bags.
  • No firearms or weapons of any kind.
  • No folding arm chairs or lawn chairs (regardless of height). Folding stools without arms or bags are allowed.
  • No ladders.
  • No periscopes.

Cameras are allowed on Wednesday, June 26, for the Pro-Am tournament, but only point-and-shoot style cameras. “Professional-looking cameras and equipment (long-range lenses, tripods, etc.)” will not be allowed, according to the tournament website. And, once the professional tournament starts on Thursday, no more cameras of any kind.

Also, while diaper bags aren’t allowed, strollers are, the website adds.

How to behave:

So, once you’ve gotten in, how should you behave? The tournament website advises that one should:
  • Stay quiet and stand still when players are about to hit the ball.
  • Hands in the air means stop and be quiet while golfers are playing their shots.
  • Do not cross fairways, except for areas designated as crossover areas.
  • To allow for better viewing for all, please be considerate of others and kneel or sit down whenever possible.
  • For your safety and the safety of others, please follow the directions of the tournament marshals.

You’ll be removed, without warning, if you:

  • Refuse to obey quiet signs or signals.
  • Distract or embarrass a player.
  • Make rude, vulgar or other inappropriate comments or gestures toward a player.
  • Boo or cheer at inappropriate times.
Regarding phones:

Spectators will need to silence their phones and make calls or send texts only in designated areas marked "cell phone zones."

Photos and videos may not be taken from mobile phones during the professional tournament. Violating the no-photo rule could result in your mobile device being confiscated or your photos being deleted. It also could result in your removal from the tournament.

On eating:

What about when it’s time to eat? Unless you've packed some astronaut food into your small purse or small-purse-sized bag, you’ll need to check out the concessions stand. A cup of coffee and a peanut butter-and-jelly sandwich will cost $5. A meatier meal of burger, chips and non-alcoholic drink will be $10.

Getting autographs:

Thursday through Sunday, players will not sign autographs until they have completed their rounds. Find the autograph areas by the No. 9 and No. 18 scoring areas. "Players have the option to use this area," the tournament website adds.

How to get there:

You won't be able to park anywhere near the tournament, but there are parking lots with shuttle buses. For information on driving to the AT&T National, read more on Patch.

Taking public transportation or biking? Read more on Patch. There are a couple of bus routes, and bike racks will be available at the entrance to the tournament on Persimmon Tree Lane.

Have you been to the tournament this year yet? What are your tips for being a spectator? Tell us in the comments.

Find out what's happening in Bethesda-Chevy Chasewith free, real-time updates from Patch.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here