I was at the Cadillac Match Play finals this year. I would have to say the practice round is much better. You don't have to fight the weekend crowd to see your favorite players, smaller lines at the concessions stands and bathrooms, you wont get harassed because of your cellphone which is even on silent mode.

On the other hand, you might not see the emotions bleed out as much from the players in those do or die situations. So it really depends on what you want to see and do.

i really like going to practice rounds.. take pics, get more autographs etc. 

I've been to both practice and tournament rounds at the DBC. The atmosphere of the Pro Am I attended last year was very laid back; players took time to chat, take pictures (cameras allowed) and sign between holes. Also, the gallery was a little more sparse, making it easy to get from hole to hole and allowing you to always have a good vantage point. While I enjoyed the tournament rounds and seeing how dialed in these guys are during competition, but you can't go wrong taking a day off from work and rolling that into the long weekend! 

Practice rounds are so worth it, me and my dad went to the US Open Wednesday and Thursday rounds and i really liked the practice round much better because the players are very easy to talk to and get autographs from. and they all (except one player) gave us their autograph. and a guy next to us had a full out conversation with Luke Donald about how he could get the Ralph Lauren belt buckle that Luke wore. so the atmosphere is more relaxed on the practice days so i say it is 100% worth it

Hi Chris ,

I have been to both practice and tournament rounds many times at the Travelers and at practice rounds they guys are more loose and interact with the crowd  more and picture taking is allowed , also better if you want to get the little ones out there for their first time .

Either way it's tough not to have a great time as long as the weather is decent.

Christopher H - I have to agree w/ Andy R; either way works!

Practice rounds are less crowded, and players are more likely to interact with the galleries.  You have already experienced attending on weekends; that can be a madhouse!  Try both for your next tournament:  attend a practice round and a regular round.

I like attending on Tuesdays as most players are on site and they still have time to interact.  You can take pictures and get autographs, if that is your thing.  A buddy of mine likes attending on Fridays.  By Friday, you have an idea as to who is playing well and, the best players are all over the course, not just in the last groups on the weekends (with very large galleries).  And on Friday, a favorite who is struggling has not missed the cut . . . yet.

Hey, Christopher!

Without a doubt, practice rounds are the way to go.  I got some many photo opps.  The players are relaxed.  Approachable.  Willing to take time with people. Crowds are less.  It's a great way to get up and close to the touring pros and see what goes into playing tournament golf.  It's a great way to go!  Keep us posted!  Vern

I prefer the practice rounds as well for similar reasons listed in previous posts, less crowds being #1 on the list. I marshaled at the Canadian Open  couple times and really enjoyed the casual aspect of the practice round. Players were relaxed, quite chatty and would often answer our questions on their equipment set up, or how they were planning to play the hole and even pose for photo's!

Conversely, the tournament rounds are all business......