What would be impressive is if ANGC had shirts or hats made only for people who actually play the course. If I wanted something cool from a course that I have not played I would go to ebay and buy a Pine Valley shirt. note: I do own a shirt from my one visit as a spectator but more importantly still have the tickets from the famous 1997 event. Has it really only been 10 years since Tiger won his first...seems like a lifetime.
Goodness John I was there in 1997 too. My one and only visit so far. Could we have met?
Good advice so far. I would walk the whole course first and take in the groups that play as you stop for a short time to see the play from each tee, approach and green. Then you have a feel for the place. Afterwards, pick a spot of interest and stay for a good while. Do that for a few different places and you get an idea of the challenges of each while seeing a bunch of players. I enjoyed #3 approach and green, 11 approach and 12 tee as well as 4 and 5. 14 green is amazing and if you hang out you will see some wild putts. 8 is great fun as well.
The merchandise and food is very reasonable but like John I feel a bit odd wearing AN shirts and hats. I'll still wear the Augusta green shirt on rare occasion - the hat is long gone. My best posession is the badge.
The "patrons" are great and the place is run better then any event I've ever been to. When you pick a spot to spectate it is likely that there will be empty chairs from folks who left them there (no one would dare steal at AN) so just have a seat and if someone returns to claim their spot they will just tap you on the shoulder. Its very civil.
Most of all - ENJOY!!!!