AT&T Byron Nelson making changes to boost fan experience

The AT&T Byron Nelson learned valuable lessons from its inaugural year at Trinity Forest Golf Club last year, and the golf tournament has addressed the most significant issues raised by fans for next week’s tournament.

Among the biggest complaints by fans included things such as a ride-share lot requiring an additional shuttle to the golf course, how much dust circulated the course and the lack of shade while watching the PGA Tour pros.

All of those have been addressed.

“Our goal every year is to create the best experience for all of our fans, and one clear takeaway from our first year at Trinity Forest is that we wanted to focus on the spectator experience,” tournament director Jon Drago said.

Among the most significant changes fans can expect --

▪ Ride-share drop-off and pickup at course: The tournament will have a designated area for ride-share services such as Lyft and Uber to drop off fans across the main entrance.

▪ On-course pavilion: Golf tournaments are known for being more of a party than a sports event. The Nelson has partnered with Katy Trail Ice House to produce an on-course pavilion.

The pavilion is located at the corner of 4 green and 5 tee, and is complimentary with all tickets. The open-air, beer garden-style venue will include outdoor patio games, Katy Ice House menu favorites and areas to watch golf.

▪ Additional shade structures: The tournament has made a concerted effort to add more public shade and covered stands around the golf course.

There has also been an emphasis on making it easier for fans to find their way around the golf course, and anti-dust treatment will be applied to all spectator pathways prior to the tournament.

▪ Uptown shuttles: The tournament will have complimentary shuttles to and from its partners with Dallas establishments, including the Katy Trail Ice House and Happiest Hour.

Complimentary shuttles also run from the general public parking at the State Fair of Texas.

Field notes

Brooks Koepka, the No. 3 player in the world, highlights the list of commitments for the Nelson. Koepka is the two-time reigning U.S. Open champion, and won last year’s PGA Championship.

Koepka finished runner up at this year’s Masters.

Other notable players in the field include North Texas’ own Jordan Spieth, a three-time major winner; former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo; Sweden’s Henrik Stenson, the 2016 British Open champion; Australia’s Marc Leishman, the No. 22 player in the world; Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama, the No. 28 player in the world; and Spain’s Rafa Cabrera-Bello, the No. 31 player in the world.

Ticket info

Nelson general admission tickets are available for $45 a day, Thursday through Sunday, with additional premium tickets available through the tournament’s website.

Wednesday’s Pro-Am is free admission.

Military, police, fire and first responders all receive complimentary admission for themselves and a guest each day of the tournament. Tickets must be requested ahead of time through the Nelson’s website.

This story was originally published April 30, 2019 at 4:29 PM.