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Special seating for golf fans
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February 28, 1997: 9:31 p.m. ET
A $1,500 pass buys preferred treatment for those watching the sport up close
From Correspondent Casey Wian
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LOS ANGELES (CNNfn) -- It may be the biggest thing to hit professional golf's bottom line since Tiger Woods -- preferred seating.
The PGA-sanctioned Golf Watch is debuting at this week's L.A. Nissan Open. Guests sit along a roped-off strip along fairways and in skybox seats over-looking greens and tee boxes.
The idea came to Golf Watch chairman Jack Vickers while caught in traffic.
"I'm sitting there cussing, and these fellas were all passing me in diamond lane," Vickers said. "Something clicked. And said why in the world hasn't someone done this in golf?"
A five-day tournament pass costs $1,500. Holders enjoy designated hospitality suites complete with food, beverages and a selection of cigars, not to mention phones and restrooms.
"This is my second day, and I've really enjoyed this very much," one spectator said.
But other people question the obvious commercialism. (WAV 91K) or (AIFF, 91K)
But PGA Tour player Peter Jacobsen says he doesn't mind the Golf Watch program.
"When you're watching someone like Greg Norman or Tiger Woods or Nick Faldo, it's pretty crowded and pretty congested anyway," Jacobsen said. "So when somebody comes and scoots in front of you, I'm not sure they're going to enjoy it. But I think it's a good program, and I'm looking forward to seeing it succeed."
Success for Golf Watch will, in part, mean luring companies eager to court clients.
"We're hoping that this concept isn't going to interfere with the average fan, but what it will allow is for more corporations to come out, entertain at golf tournaments and even bring the level of support to be greater," Barry Brokaw, president of Golf Watch said.
There are expected to be 1,000 tickets per event. This year, four tournaments will offer Golf Watch seating. The PGA and senior PGA tournaments expect that number to grow to 20 in two years.
Which should bring in at least $1.5 million.
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