Fans excited to see golf legends in Galleri Classic

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – The Galleri Classic in the PGA TOUR Champions showcases former golf superstars and four amateur players. Fans have a week-long opportunity to watch players tee off and be a part of the action.

"We've been golf fans for 20 or 30 years, and we've been looking forward to [the Galleri Classic] every year," Dave Gard said.

Organizers and fans said watching tournaments in the PGA Champions Tour are a special experience because the athletes are professional and relaxed. They're more likely to speak with fans lining the course.

"It's just wonderful to be up and close to the players," Peter Bray said. "I think in the champions tour, you can do that. PGA Tour, it's a lot tougher. It's all about the players and they're all very conversational and friendly."

It's this easy access that organizers hope fans experience and cherish.

"We gain new fans when they come out for the first time," Tournament Director Michelle DeLancy said. "And then we know they're going to come back year after year because of the easy access."

The fan experience also extends past the course at Mission Hills Country Club and into local charities. Part of The Galleri Classic’s donations to local cancer-related charities will be funded through its ticket sales.

Patrons ordering tickets can also make a flat donation to any of The Galleri Classic’s six charitable beneficiaries during the checkout process.

While they may not get to play with the golf champions, fans said they look forward to spending time with their friends as they watch the tournament.

"[Dave Gard] invited me down to watch the tournament," Jim Gard said.

"We're going to play a little bit. Maybe not with them," Dave Gard laughed while pointing to the professionals on the green. "They wouldn't let us."

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from fans on what it's like to watch their favorite golf superstars play in the Coachella Valley.