8 Tips For Enjoying The PGA’s Frys.Com Open at Silverado In Napa

Photo Credit: Courtesy Silverado Resort and Spa

The Frys.com Open is underway at the fabuous Silverado Resort and Spa in Napa. If you’re planning to check out the action on the links, you’ll definitely want to read our helpful, haute tips for how to best enjoy the experience. The Johnny Miller Pro-Am featuring celebrated chef Thomas Keller and NBA champions Stephen Curry and Andre Iguodala of the Golden State Warriors tees off this morning on the North Course. Thursday through Sunday is when all eyes will be on the pros in this $6,000,000 event that opens the 2015-16 season. Rory McIlroy, who finished 15th in the final FedEx Cup standings, headlines the 144 professionals; major championship winners Justin Rose, Webb Simpson, Charl Schwartzel, Angel Cabrera, Geoff Ogilvy, Lucas Glover and Justin Leonard are also entered.

Here are our eight tips for enjoying the Frys.Com Open:

1. Decide how you want to watch the tournament. There are basically two ways to watch a golf tournament: “Parade Style,” where you pick a spot and watch the field pass by, or “Cross-Country Style,” where you follow a particular player or group around the course.
2. Arrive early to reserve a spot, especially if you plan on watching the tournament “Parade Style.” On Thursday and Friday, groups are simultaneously started on the first and tenth holes. Most people watch the action on the back nine holes which may give you the opportunity to get a better view of the players on the front nine.
3. Pick up a daily pairing sheet to find out when the players tee off and the order of the groups. Pairing sheets include a course map and are available near the entrances and at selected other locations on the tournament grounds. The pros usually play in threesomes on Thursday and Friday and twosomes on the weekends. Check the scoreboards to find out who the leaders are, and where they are on course. One way to tell the players from a distance is to look for their caddies, who wear color-coded vests (red, white and black), which will be indicated on the daily pairing sheet.
4. Great places to position yourself: 16th Green-You’re able to see the 16th green putt out and the 17th Tee Box; 17th Teebox-A fun par three with a beer stand nearby. Every time a player makes a birdie, birdies for beers are offered for $3; 13th Tee-allows you to see 13th Tee, 6th Tee and 12 Green; 8th Green allows you to also see 9th teebox; #11 viewing area stands-one of the signature holes of the tournament;  Driving Range-you’d see every player prior to tee off; and 10th Tee-off stands also allows you to look over and see the practice putting green.
5. Thomas Keller’s Drive-in-Cuisine by the Green-a great place to fuel up on delicious Thomas Keller fare and watch the festivities. This exclusive culinary experience will feature guest-favorites from Ad Hoc + Addendum and Bouchon Bakery including Ad Hoc + Addendum’s Lobster Roll and Buttermilk Fried Chicken Buckets, as well as Bouchon Bakery’s Bacon Cheddar Scone, Croissants, Blueberry Muffins and Chocolate Chunk Cookies.
6. Experience Ad Lib now as this is your final chance. Ad Lib, Keller’s casual pop-up restaurant located at Silverado Resort and Spa, will close after the Frys.com Open. Through Oct. 18,  Ad Lib will serve dinner nightly from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and offer brunch October 15-18, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Ad Lib’s final service will commence on Monday, October 19, 2015. Reservations can be made at www.adlibroyaloak.com or by calling (707) 754-4148
7. End of the tournament-The Terrace Deck on the backside of Silverado’s Mansion. This is truly one of the most scenic spots in all of Napa to enjoy a cocktail.
8. A trip to Napa isn’t complete without wine. William Hill Estate Winery, the Official Wine of the PGA TOUR, is conveniently located just across the street from Silverado. Of course you can enjoy a glass while at the Frys.com Open. Del Dotto Vineyards, Black Stallion and others will also be pouring.

Photo Credit: Joann Dost