What to Know Before You Go: PGA Transitions Championship

The Transitions Championship at is bringing many of the world’s top golfers to Tampa Bay, and no other major sport gives attendees the opportunity to get as close to the action as PGA TOUR golf. Plus there is an expanse of other activities on-site for casual fans and fun-lovers. Here are some tips to enjoy the experience: 

Basic info: Official tournament play begins Thursday and concludes Sunday; 144 players play 18 holes per day (72 holes per player); Players have morning and afternoon tee times, starting at the 1^st or 10^th tee, playing in groups of 2 or 3. Find players’ tee times in the free Pairings Guide at the tournament. (Monday through Wednesday includes professional practice rounds and two Pro-Am events). 

Basic golf terms-

Par: Number of strokes assigned to each hole, ranges from 3 to 5. Birdie: Occurs when player finishes any hole one stoke below par.

Bogey: Opposite of a birdie – completing the hole one stroke above par. 

Eagle: Completing the hole two strokes below par (a stroke better than a birdie).

Pin: Movable marker that shows the location of the hole, also known as a flagstick.  

Site activities: Pinch A Penny Military Appreciation Tent; Healthy Site Village, including the Think About Your Eyes Pavilion; Bright House Sports Pavilion, including March Madness viewing; Hooters Owl’s Nest; Tampa Bay Times Fan Zone; The Wine Garden; Bridgestone Golf Simulators; Geico Golf Experience, more. 

Attire: Comfortable clothes, walking shoes, protective lenses, and sunscreen (look for complimentary sunscreen stations around the course). 

Shuttles: Buses between Lot #2 (St. Pete College) and the Copperhead Clubhouse run throughout the day. 

Seating: Bleachers open to the public are available at the 1st tee and 4th, 9th, 14th and 18th greens.

Viewing: Stay behind the gallery ropes and kneel if near the ropes so those behind can see. Attendees must observe silence and wait until all players have completed shots to move. Mobile devices must be silenced with calls permitted only in TOUR approved areas. No data use or camera phones when players are in position to compete or quiet paddles are raised. Photography of any kind is not permitted Thurs-Sun.

Food: There are several concession stands throughout the course.

Autographs: Main autograph area is between the 1st tee and Copperhead Clubhouse. Players are permitted to sign autographs only after the completion of their round. 

Weather: Warning symbols will appear on electronic scoreboards for potential threatening weather conditions urging spectators to take precautions and seek shelter. 

Tickets: Daily tickets cost $40 during tournament week. Weekly ticket books are $79. Free admission for kids 15 and under. U.S. Armed Forces personnel will receive free admission. This includes active, reserve, Nartional Guard, and retired military service members and their dependents. A valid Common Access Card or Retired ID card is required at the gate for admission. Order tickets online.

More info: TransitionsChampionship.com, and see updates on Facebook and Twitter.