Participation at the Barracuda Championship is hardly limited to attendees or the 132 PGA Tour members who will play the par-72, 7,472-yard course. More than 700 members of the Reno-Tahoe and Northern California community volunteer their time over the course of the week. Their selfless contributions allow the Reno-Tahoe Open Foundation to maximize charitable donations to over 100 regional groups. This year is the nonprofit foundation’s 30th anniversary managing the Barracuda Championship. In addition to the PGA stars between the ropes, you’ll see veteran volunteer corps members like Barracuda’s Marshals Chair, Henry “Skip” Monge. Skip received the prestigious PGA Tour Volunteer of the Year award this past December.
The Barracuda Championship Brings PGA Golf and Good Times to Reno This Summer
So much to do. Four days to do it.
The Barracuda Championship is exactly what its tagline suggests, “Way More than a Golf Tournament.”. Over 40,000 spectators stroll the tree-lined fairways, with amenities rarely more than a pitching wedge away. Don’t believe us? Just check out The Patio on 18presented by Reno-Tahoe. This PGA TOUR award-winning venue is open to anyone with a 2019 Barracuda Championship ticket.
To plan your visit, go to https://barracudachampionship.com/
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Something for the Kids
In addition to its scenic backdrop, the tournament employs a unique “Modified Stableford” scoring system – the only of its kind on the PGA TOUR. Designed to encourage more aggressive playing styles, points are awarded based on the number of strokes taken at each hole. Good play earns more points while poor play takes points. Whether you’re frantically keeping stats just off the fairway or filling your cup in one of the hospitality areas, the Barracuda Championship is a one-of-a-kind blast from tee to green.
See, Sip & Savor
As festive as the four-day tourney is for fans, the Barracuda Championship is taken quite seriously by the players. It’s one of the last tournaments where they can qualify for the FedEx Cup Playoffs as 300 FedEx Cup points are up for grabs. Playing well here before an international television audience can be the difference between keeping a PGA TOUR card or heading to the Web.com Tour. For pro golfers, it doesn’t get more serious than this. Of course, not every player is worried about where he stands—the Barracuda has welcomed stars like Sergio Garcia, Jason Day, John Rahm and Bubba Watson.
There are plenty of exclusive gathering spaces to watch these pros during the Barracuda Championship, beginning with the Lexus Chalet. Nestled along the 18th green, the all-inclusive VIP Sky Box boasts a hosted bar, chef-prepared culinary selections and flat-screen televisions in the well-appointed surroundings. The Lexus Chalet provides ideal sightlines of the par 5 18th fairway down to the green, where eagle putts drop and champions are made. Tito’s Terrace at the 9th reen offers a more modern approach to the VIP experience, as one might expect from the official vodka producer of the Barracuda Championship. As the DJ spins, guests are invited to play bar games while watching the pros make the turn.
The Barracuda Championship honors America’s most charitable individuals by offering free admission to military members and first responders. These individuals are also invited to the Fairway Independent Mortgage Heroes Hangout, an exclusive viewing area just off the 9th green. Complimentary drinks and food will be served. All these American heroes have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the approach shots and putts.
Tito’s Terrace at the 9th Green offers a more modern approach to the VIP experience, as one might expect from the official vodka producer of the Barracuda Championship. As the DJ spins, guests are invited to play bar games while watching the pros make the turn.
A prime gathering place that boasts some of the best views of the 18th green, Reno-Tahoe’s The Patio plays host to the Great Clubhouse Cookout, offering a combination of sumptuous BBQ and tasty beverages. This year is sure to be the tastiest as the BBQ will be prepared by Mark Estee, a James Beard Award Semifinalist Chef. Stick around Reno-Tahoe’s The Patio after play on Saturday, when things get lively at Concert on The Patio, a free concert to all tournament attendees, beginning right after the final putt drops (roughly 5 PM).
Called the “CudaChamp” locally, Reno’s longest-running, and only, tier-1 level sporting event is unique among PGA TOUR tournaments and returns for its 21st edition July 25-28, 2019. Some of the world’s best players will compete on the stunning Jack Nicklaus–designed Montrêux Golf and Country Club course, one of the only mountain courses they’ll see all year. Hitting around Georgia pines at The Masters is one thing, but negotiating your way through a maze of majestic Ponderosa pines at 5,500 feet above sea level is a completely different animal.
Making the cut is just one of several important opportunities, as the tournament also provides its players with unique chances to raise money for charity. The Barracuda Bonus is a $50,000 donation awarded to a charity chosen by the player who racks up the most Modified Stableford points on the course’s finale 18th hole. All in all, the tournament has raised more than $4.1 million for over 115 charities since its inception, and they’re just getting started!
Tough Rules, Bring Top Talent
The Main Event
The 9th green is also the site for this year’s Circus Circus Kids STEAM Zone. An exciting collaboration between the minds behind Circus Circus Reno and the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, this family-centered area is filled with interactive displays, brainteasers and giveaways. Kids can get their faces painted and check out cool golf-themed science exhibits. They’ll love producing something spectacular with state-of-the-art 3D printers. Junior golfers are reminded to check in Tuesday, July 23, when the First Tee of Northern Nevada’s golf clinic comes to the Montrêux driving range. The First Tee Day, presented by Scheel’s, allows junior golfers of all skill levels to learn the fundamentals of the game from PGA TOUR pros.
Beyond the Greens
Making golf more accessible, enjoyable and meaningful remains a key tenet of the Barracuda Championship . Even if fans have never hit a 300-yard drive, the more they get to watch the magic of live golf, the more they’ll want to play. In addition to bringing many of the world’s best golfers in to compete for the $3.5 million purse, the Barracuda Championship offers one of the most reasonable ticket prices on the entire PGA TOUR. The Barracuda Championship invites you to come out and play outside the ropes July 25–28.
Tips and Deals
The Barracuda Championship offers some serious admissions deals too. Honoring America’s most charitable individuals they offer free admission to military members, veterans and first responders every day of the tournament. These individuals are also invited to the Fairway Independent Mortgage Heroes Hangout, an exclusive VIP Skybox just off the 9th green with complimentary food and drink . On Thursday, July 25, all individuals 55 and older are invited to enjoy the CudaChamp free of charge thanks to Washoe County Senior Services. Once on-course, they’ll enjoy the shaded Event Tent on the 9th green to stay cool and as the PGA TOUR pros make the turn. Did we mention Friday, July 26, is Bank of America Day? All Bank of America and Merrill credit or debit card holders receive free tournament admission as well as an exclusive 20% merchandise discount at the ‘CudaShop – the tournament’s official merchandise store. If you qualify for one of these amazing opportunities, just show your valid identification at the admissions gate. It’s as simple as that. .