The BMW Championship: How to Watch

WHERE & WHEN

Cherry Hills Country Club
4125 S. University Blvd. (bet. Hampden & Quincy)
Cherry Hills Village

Tuesday, Sept. 2
6:30 a.m. Gates open
8:00* Professional Practice Rounds

Wednesday, Sept. 3
6:30 a.m. Gates Open
Gardner Heidrick Pro-Am
7:00* First A.M. Tee Time
12:10* First P.M. Tee Time

Thursday, Sept. 4
10:00 a.m. Gates open
BMW Championship Round 1
11:15* First Tee Time

Friday, Sept. 5
10:00 a.m. Gates open
BMW Championship Round 2
11:15* First Tee Time

Saturday, Sept. 6
8:00 a.m. Gates open
BMW Championship Round 3
9:00* First Tee Time

Sunday, Sept. 7
8:00 a.m. Gates open
BMW Championship Final Round
9:00* First Tee Time
4:00 Awards Ceremony

*All rounds begin on Holes 1 and 10.


GETTING THERE

Leave yourself plenty of time, as the transportation logistics have become more complicated than they were in 2005, when the club hosted the U.S. Women’s Open.

Where to Park?

Two words: Nowhere close. All non-BMW drivers must park south of Dry Creek Road at 1 Highfield Parkway in Englewood. Shuttles will cover the nine-mile route all day. If you drive a BMW, however, then you have free access to the BMW Owner’s Lot at 6145 Happy Canyon Road, 31/2 miles east of Cherry Hills. Shuttles will run all day.

Other Options?

LIGHT RAIL

Complimentary shuttles will run from the Belleview Light Rail Station north of Belleview on Quebec Street. Vehicles can also drop off ticketholders there, but cannot stop or stand. And there is no patron parking allowed at the station.

WALK/BIKE

Pedestrians and bicyclists both enter through the main entrance. Bicyclists have two options to lock up their bikes: those coming from the north can park by the Par-3 Course at the northwest corner of Cherry Hills Drive and University Boulevard; those coming from the south can park at the northwest corner of Quincy Avenue and University Boulevard.

BUS

RTD bus routes 24 (University Blvd.) and 35 (Hampden Ave.) put you walking distance from the Main Entrance. Visit RTD-Denver.com for schedules and maps.

TAXI, ÜBER , LIMO

All hired cars must drop passengers 1/2 mile south of Cherry Hills at St. Mary’s Academy (4545 South University). Spectators then walk to the club’s Main Entrance. Departing spectators may only load at St. Mary’s. You cannot have someone drop you off at Cherry Hills or St. Mary’s.


AT THE EVENT

TUNE IN

Keeping track of all the action at a PGA Tour championship is a bit like going to a baseball game and only being able to see the rightfielder. For $10, you can get a PGA Tour radio earpiece at any concession stand. Keep it for the entire tournament. Proceeds go directly to the Evans Scholars Foundation.

TROPHY LIFE

Named after the tournament’s historic trophy, the all-inclusive Wadley Club ticket allows access to the hospitality tent located on the 15th hole and guarantees premier views, comfortable seating with food and drink service. Day tickets cost $250 for Thursday or Friday and $300 for Saturday or Sunday.

BEAM YOURSELF UP

Not only does BMW treat its automobile owners to their own parking lot, it allows them to show their key for access to their own pavilion between holes 7 and 14. Food, drink, air-conditioning and remarkable views and service all come standard. Almost makes you want to borrow your friend’s car—or at least his keys.

BRING IT, DON’T RING IT

The tournament allows cellphones but they must have volume set to silent or vibrate while at the championship. Fans needing to make or accept calls can go to one of seven designated areas on the course. Digital messaging and checking data is allowed throughout the premises.

LEAVE THE SHOTS TO THE GOLFERS

Use of cameras, including those on mobile devices, is allowed only during Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s practice rounds, but not during the tournament. All video recording is verboten. “We will have a mobile-device task force assigned to the more popular groups,” says Douglas Habgood, senior VP of the Bruno Event Team, which handles all onsite operations. “You do not want them catching you.” And if you can’t resist sneaking a selfie, make sure that “shutter sound” is off.

LIFT A GLASS

Rumors that Arnold Palmers would be served near the Palmer tee on the first hole have gone unsubstantiated. However, BMW stands for Bavarian Motor Works, and what could be more Bavarian than a Biergarten between holes 1 and 2 and right behind the BMW Pavilion on 18? A video board displays live tournament coverage and a scoreboard updates the leaderboard. Drink and watch golf on TV? Makes you feel right at home.


Double Dip!

The BMW knows Denver loves its Broncos and one of the reasons for Sunday’s early start is to give fans enough time to catch the team’s home opener September 7 at 6:30 versus the Indianapolis Colts. If you have tickets for the game, why not leave the car at Sports Authority Field Sunday morning, then take the light rail down and back again after the BMW ends? Fans of the Rockies can enjoy a similar double-header at Coors Field Friday and Saturday. The home team plays San Diego.

RELATED LINKS

David Duval on Course Conditions at Cherry Hills Country Club

BMW Championship Preview: Are These Players Wadley Worthy?

Top Holes to Watch at the BMW Championship

Andy North Knows What it Takes to Win at Cherry Hills

For more information and details onthe BMW Championship, please visit bmwchampionshipusa.com.

Colorado AvidGolfer is the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it. It publishes eight issues annually and proudly delivers daily content via www.coloradoavidgolfer.com.

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