- FedExCup Points: 50,000
- Purse: $7.0 million
- Winning Share: $1,260,000
- Yards: 6,839
PGATOUR.com Site Producer
Welcome to The Barclays -- the first event in the inaugural PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup. And welcome to Harrison, N.Y.
The first round of the 144 golfers' quest for the cup begins in Westchester County, which is nestled between the bright lights of New York City and the colonial traditions of Greenwich, Conn. So whether you're into the hustle and bustle or the quiet countryside, Rye, N.Y., and the surrounding area will keep you occupied during those dull, dreadful hours between golf rounds.
If you're traveling to the Big Apple to be a part of playoff history in the making, we've got you covered on the best places to chow down, party up and rest your weary head.
Before you venture out to the course -- or the bar -- you need a place to hang your hat for a few days. No one enjoys an early tee time without a good night's sleep, whether the appointment is to play or watch.
WHERE TO SNOOZE
This part of the country thrives on tourism, from New York City partygoers and beach bums to fall foliage nature lovers and colonial history buffs, so finding a place to stay isn't nearly as hard as choosing one. Whether you're looking for the royal treatment or just some clean sheets, your best bet (financially and geographically) is Connecticut.
Live it up in luxury: The Stamford Marriott Hotel and Spa, a three-and-a-half-star hotel located about 15 minutes from the Westchester Country Club, offers guests more than fluffy pillows and a continental breakfast. Here, you can indulge in massages, facials and aromatherapy for the body, and later, you can indulge in revolving-rooftop Italian cuisine for the belly.
Prepare to pay: Rates differ between week nights and weekends, but depending on how much pampering you want, a stay will cost you on average between $260 and $330 a night. Your wallet might be hurting, but after a trip to the Agora spa, you can rest assured that your back won't be.
Nice digs for less dough: If you're a spa junkie but would like to enjoy the comfort of a classy hotel at a more affordable rate, check out the Hyatt Regency Greenwich-Stamford. Situated in Old Greenwich and only a 10-minute drive from the course, the four-star Hyatt Regency will relax you with its "Secret Garden"-like landscaped atrium and outdoor restaurant before you even reach the Enzo Riccobene Salon and Spa.
Prepare to pay: Which days of the week you stay will affect the cost of your visit, but you'll likely spend anywhere from $210-$275 a night relative to the kind of package you choose.
New England's best value: Famous for quaint country inns and towns steeped in history, New England is a haven for weekend getaways, and the Westport Inn is no exception. If you'd rather not pay for the spa treatments and are looking for a rustic retreat while you enjoy the golf, this three-star hotel fits the bill. Slightly further out, a drive to the tournament from here will take about 30 minutes, but the Westport Inn does earn bonus points with pet lovers -- you can bring your furry friends with you.
Prepare to pay: While probably just as homey as the swanky salon locations, the Westport Inn won't set you back as much. On average at this time of year, you'll spend between $120 and $175 a night depending on how much country comfort you want.
Once you've got your suitcase unpacked and have performed the necessary bathroom-amenities inspection and flop on the big, cushy bed, you'll likely be raring to go. (Tip: If some of your clothes got wrinkled on the ride, go ahead and iron them all at once so you don't have to do it every morning while getting dressed.)
If you're in town for all four days of The Barclays, you have plenty of time to play the tourist. All of the above hotels lie within a drivable (or trainable) distance to Westchester Country Club, New York City, the shore, and the towns of Greenwich and Stamford, Conn., So where you go next really is up to you, but here are a few suggestions:
| The Homestead Inn |
THURSDAY
Tired from your first full day on the course? You might want to take it easy and keep your outing somewhat local. It may be hard to play 18 holes in the summertime without a golf cart, but it's just as hard on the spectators, right?
New England comprises six states, each infused with European influence. While the region takes its moniker from good ol' Blighty, don't be afraid to sample the remnants of other countries from across the pond.
The Homestead Inn in Greenwich, owned and operated by Theresa and Thomas Henkelmann serves up gourmet French cuisine in a classic New England backdrop. Laced with generous verandahs and set amongst cultivated gardens, the daisy-white mansion has a New-England look to it so perfect that even someone who had never visited the area would recognize.
While some tourists avoid hotel restaurants for their often poor and over-priced menus, the Homestead Inn assures guests of a fantastic meal and an equally satisfying wine list. If you really want to spoil your palate for a night, this place beckons. But be sure to dress and act the part; the Henkelmanns' establishment oozes class and elegance, and the patrons would do well to remember that.
FRIDAY
OK, you're on vacation, but still, it's the weekend - always a cause for celebration. Friday night's the night to do it up big. Those who missed the cut will be lamenting the cup, but you have no sorrows to drown. It's time to head to NYC.
Dinner and a Broadway play in the big apple tops off a day of the country's best golf swimmingly. But ladies, you'll have to leave behind those fur coats. Summer in the city is h-o-t-t hot without that breeze from the coast.
Friday night theatre curtains lift at 8 p.m., so a 5:30 p.m. dinner reservation in the Broadway district should give you enough time to sample the city's best dining before heading to the show.
| Night out in NYC |
After the fancy French stuff on Thursday, a juicy American steak sounds on par for Friday. Try Angus McIndoe Restaurant on West 44th Street for a meaty menu and raw bar. If you dare, the steakhouse offers a 38-ounce Porterhouse for two (around $69), which surely will keep you going through the show.
As for Broadway, close your eyes and point. The district offers so many shows that any theatre lover might panic over the decision. You can opt to see one of the big ones or a lesser-known show, a play or a musical, a star--studded cast or an ensemble of up-and-comers. Take your pick. But if you need some help, the following classics have tickets available:
The Phantom of the Opera -- tickets from $110 to $140 each
Les Misérables -- tickets from $140 each
Hairspray -- tickets from $125 to $140 each
Chicago -- tickets from $112 to $140 each
Rent -- tickets from $60 to $125 each
You'll likely go home humming a tune, but if your night on the town leaves you wanting more, don't be afraid to head back to the Angus McIndoe Restaurant (or some of the other Broadway-district hotspots) for a post-play drink. Why not make it a Cosmopolitan a la "Sex and the City?"
SATURDAY
Exhausted yet?
You can't take a trip to this part of the country and not sample the local seafood, so Saturday would be as good a night as any to chow-der down. OK, it's too hot for soup, but lobster works.
| Greenwich life |
After your wild night on the town, a Greenwich, Conn., seafood fest should respark your energy. The Oyster House on Elm Street is no nightmare. This restaurant, which opened 13 years ago, serves up New England fruits de mer at its best. From scallops and swordfish to snapper and shrimp, you'll be licking your fingers and smacking your lips like a local. Or a tourist. Because who doesn't like seafood? (Apart from the people who don't. Bad choice.)
After a steaming dinner, head over to Barcelona Wine Bar and complement all that fine cooking with some vino. This Connecticut-born-and-bred lounge offers a plethora of bottled adult grape juice for your tasting pleasure. My vote? A French Pinot Grigio. You are a golf patron, so let's keep it classy.
SUNDAY
Unless you ducked out early because your favorite player fell off the leaderboard, The Barclays will be over by now. Whether you're celebrating a win or lamenting a poor run, you can't leave New York without grubbing on some greasy, floppy, pepperoni-slathered pizza the way pizza should be served.
But don't fret; you don't have to trek 45 minutes into the city again. Rye, N.Y., home of Westchester Country Club, also boasts its own New-York-style pizza restaurant. Piazza Pizzeria and Deli (for the sandwich lovers) slices up the kinds of pie you like without the city crowds.
| Sweet Sundays |
And whether you're in the mood to party or party-poop, Rye also has you covered for a local tavern. The High Street Roadhouse, a Cajun and Southern-style bar and eatery (yes, you're in the North, but what's the harm?) has live music and shows you how to let the good times roll -- even in New England. Have a drink for the winner.
STICKING AROUND?
Maybe you're headed home Monday. Maybe not. But if you have a spare day on your hands while you're in New York, whether it's before or after the tournament, you should check out the Long Island Sound shore.
Rye Town Park stretches over 62 acres of gardens, hills, ponds and beaches. The coastline of the park is 1200 feet long and brushed with white sands. Though the park itself was established in 1907, that stretch of shore has a longer history. Once known as Oakland Beach, the park became a community place of leisure in the 1860s and lives on as a popular public recreation spot today.
And of course, if sand in your shoes (and everywhere else) doesn't ring your bell, there's always shopping. The best shopping the United States has to offer. Head back to NYC to burn a hole in your pocket.
You'll be in Boston next week though, so don't burn yourself out.
