A few more programming notes based on my day (Wed.) at the Ryder Cup:
-- The practice ranges --one for US, one for Euro -- are on the "backside" of the clubhouse, using fairways from one of the other Medinah courses. Grandstands at each, and there is also a short-game practice area. You have to walk across one of the bridges that cross the lake's tributary to get to these.
-- Most players seem to be using the beautiful putting green that fronts the clubhouse for practice putting. It's likely to be jam-packed. In fact, the area in front of the clubhouse, near the putting green and the 1st tee, is one of the most congested on the course.
-- There are three bridges to cross the lake to get to the holes on the south side of the lake, which is most of the course: near the 1st green/2nd green, near the 13th tee/14th tee, and near the 17th tee/green. The first one -- near the 1st green/2nd green -- could be 10 yards wider and still not be wide enough; it was absolutely jam-packed yesterday morning (admittedly, in part because the first group of the day -- the Mickelson group -- was on the 1st green). If you want to get out to the main portion of the course quickly, I'd suggest finding your way to the 13th tee/14th tee bridge, or the 17th tee/green bridge on the far west edge of the property. (The bridges are also great spots for watching play on the par 3s nearby.) A course map is invaluable, if you're not familiar already with Medinah.
-- Happy to report that booze (and food
) is plentiful and found throughout the grounds; as always, please drink responsibly.
Everything's overpriced, of course, but what'd you expect? It's the Ryder Cup.