Press pass for PGA Memorial Tournament

I recently contacted the ticket office at Muirfield regarding a freelance press pass for the

memorial tournament (held in Dublin, Ohio, May 29 - June 4). Apparently at this event, no

freelance passes are given. All press passes must go through a legitimate newspaper.

Unfortunately, since I do not work for any specific newspaper, I have no way of obtaining a

pass. I have called several papers in the Dublin area, none of which were able to help me.

They all had more than enough photographers to fill the spots for their allotted press passes.

Do any of you know a way I could get a press pass through a newspaper or magazine? Any

help would be greatly appreciated. By the way, they are extremely strict at the Memorial

Tournament, and they don't allow cameras except at practice rounds.

Why do you want the pass? Just to shoot or in the hopes of selling the images to a paper or magazine, or what? No media organization, newspaper, magazine will just hand out a pass. Your best bet is to search online for photo agencies or wire services, have a good portfolio already, and try to get on as a shooter for them. They would handle the credential requests for you.

 

If you are just a fan who wants to shoot on the actual round days, there is a reason why they do not allow cameras and are strict with the media passes given out. There are times that you can not shoot which was recently brought to light in a recent PGA round when a photographer clicked away as Phil hit a ball at Agusta, and you can not at any time take a photo of a golfer until he has struck the ball. Credentials can be pulled and golfers get very mad (as do caddies, remember Tiger's caddy threw a fans camera into a water hazard).

Carl - I am a freelance photographer, and my intention was to sell the images to multiple publications. I am aware that they don't "hand out" press passes, but in the past I have not had to go through any specific publication to get the pass. In Dublin, they are very strict about this kind of thing. I know golf is different from other sports, but I didn't know it would be next to impossible to get this pass. The man I spoke with at Muirfield Village GC said my best bet would probably be getting one of the sponsors to get the pass. I know Wendy's and Morgan Stanley are major sponsors, so I will approach them as well.

<i>By the way, they are extremely strict at the Memorial Tournament, and they don't allow cameras except at practice rounds.</i>

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Are you saying that press photographers are only allowed to shoot during practice rounds? That would be unusual. But prohibiting amateurs from shooting Thursday-Sunday is standard procedure for every PGA event I'm aware of. The last thing they want is a bunch of people clicking away whenever they feel like it. Even the pros get in trouble if they shoot at the wrong time.

Press photographers are allowed to shoot thursday through sunday, but the newspaper/magazine that employs them must get the pass on their behalf. Since I am a freelance photographer, not on the payroll of any specific newspaper or magazine, I will most likely be unable to get a press pass. So far, I haven't found a way around this, other than shooting during the practice rounds. I know why the "no camera" rule is in place, but I do not know why a credible freelance photographer would be banned from bringing his camera when the action counts.

<i>I know why the "no camera" rule is in place, but I do not know why a credible freelance photographer would be banned from bringing his camera when the action counts.</i>

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1) They get in the way of the sponsored photographers.<p>

2) No organization can be held responsible for their behavior.<p>

3) It's impossible or too time-consuming for tournament organizers to determine whether a person is a legit freelance.<p>

4) There's no shortage of photographers at these events. The organizers don't believe they need any more (and I'll bet the players agree).

I have been to five US Open Championships, a PGA Championship, 5 Westchester Classics, a Women's tournament and a Senior Tournament.

 

The last Westchester Classic that I attended (probably around 2000) had over two dozen "accredited" photographers on most of the holes blasting away with their 400 mm f/2.8; 300 mm f/2.8; and wide angle zooms (like a 17-35 f/2.8).

 

So, their would seem to be no shortage of Press Passes.

 

Getting one as a newcomer is another thing.

 

If I were giving one out, I would want the right tools. Three bodies, and equivalent lenses to what I mentioned above if you are shooting digital.

 

They likely also will want to see samples of your work.

 

What you make the kind of investment in hardware required to cover a PGA Tournament (the practice putting green & driving range would best be served with a 28-70 f/2.8 Zoom and 17-35 f/2.8 zoom, plus a 50 mm, if shooting film) you tend to cover these tournaments from week to week. Once you have the 400 and 300 f/2.8 with three bodies you are on your way to becoming a full time golf photographer.

 

If you add a 28 f/1.4 and 85 f/1.4 around for indoor use, you are can also do event or wedding work during weeks you choose not to cover a Pro golf tournament.

I knew that they would most likely want to see a sample of my work and possibly my gear. I was willing to do this for them. However, they specifically stated that they do not give press passes to freelancers, no matter how accredited you may be. The policy at Muirfield is to give out the passes to newspapers, magazines etc. The newspapers and magazines must then give the passes to their photographers. This means you have to give all of your images to the paper/magazine you are shooting for. I prefer to sell some to publications and some to stock agencies. It seems like this won't be possible unless I just shoot Mon-Weds. Maybe I'll do that, and just enjoy the tournament Thurs-Sun.

Hi Brent

I have the same problem as you, on PGA events.

why shoot on tournament days ? To make the same pictures as the pro photographers ? They are already done... Thoushand hundred of Tigers and Phils, some "cobra" position of Villegas for the 250 000 th time... very well capted, what will you add ?

 

I prefer the practice days, much more easy for shooting and make good cool portraits, and good relationship with the players.

 

On those days, there is not many gallery crowded, not many pros shooters (often nobody) and it is an enormous advantage for us ! We can make pictures differents of theirs.

Original pictures.

YOUR pictures.

And beleive me, many and many good pictures oppotunities, perhaps much more than on the crowded tournament days !

 

When I have understand that this originality anx exclusivity will be better for me, I concentrate my work on the practice days, with a very successful result (1400 visitors a day on my web galleries and golf photoblog, sure most for the Ladies PGA...)

I' sure I sell and diffuse much many pictures than some pros golf photographers, I will continue in this way !

 

On the european tour, it's much more easy to get accreditations, and now they know me, the players know me also, so I get it as freelancer quite for all events, but I still prefer the practice days, I'm not really a competition reporter, just a photographer. an "artist"...

 

some samples (you know some...)

 

http://www.pbase.com/isogood/golf_tournaments

 

http://www.onedayoneshot.com/