The Travelers Championship is quickly approaching (June 22-28), and like any good golfer, you want to plan ahead to figure out the best place to get a view as some some of the best golfers in the world tee it up in Cromwell.
So the question is, what's the best plan of action when you head out to the TPC at River Highlands?
Well, rejoice! I'm here to help you. I've been covering the tournament for the past 12 years and if anyone knows the secrets to getting the most out of your day in Cromwell, it's me.
Tickets
So you have two choices when buying your tickets. You can buy them at the gate when you arrive for $32 each, or you can save yourself $5 a ticket and buy them online at the Travelers Championship Website for $27. And in this economy, who wouldn't want to save a buck or two?
Parking
Now, no matter what I tell you about parking, the truth is everyone ends up parking in the infamous beanfields. It's going to be a bit of a hike into the course no matter where you park, so just brace yourself.
Sports
If you haven't been to the Travelers in a few years, you may be surprised to see the newly paved driveway that leads into the parking area. The road takes you right by the TPC's brand new state-of-the-art practice facility. You'll notice it on your right as you drive in. So the only question is about money. Once again, you can pay $10 the day you go, or you can buy parking for $8 online ahead of time. Need directions to the tournament? Travelers has that covered for you as well.
There is another option for parking if you're so inclined. You can always pull in to one of the many "private" parking lots run by homeowners who live along Route 99 as you approach the course. Some say it's easier getting out of these lots at the end of the day, but it's a much longer hike to get through the gates, and you can expect to pay as much as $20 for some of the closer lots. The choice is yours.
Accessories
So now that you've parked, there are a couple of things you're going to want to leave behind, or you'll be making an early trip back to the parking lots. You are not allowed to bring cell phones into the tournament (gasp!). So you have to stay out of touch for awhile, which may not be a terrible thing. Trust me, you don't want to try and sneak one in. Tournament marshals will revoke your ticket and escort you from the course if they catch you with a cell phone.
Forget about coolers, backpacks, and large bags too. A purse is fine, but nothing bigger than that. And you can bring a camera from Monday through Wednesday, but leave it in the car once tournament play begins on Thursday.
Ok, you're finally in the gate and on the course. Now what? Stay tuned for tips on the best places to see the golf, and on some of the brand new events happening at the tournament this year.
