TYGA Tillery Tradition Junior

Wish I'd known: Tillery Tradition — Tillery, NC Location & logistics: This one's remote. Nearest Starbucks is 20 minutes away. The closest gas station (1.9 miles) is really more of a bait shop and was closed at 9am — bring what you need. Albemarle, about 20 minutes out, has a Walmart and full grocery if you need to restock. Where to stay: Lodging options nearby are limited. We stayed at the Badin Inn — a two-room suite ran about $180. Breakfast is included but prepackaged and pre-portioned continental-style — actually solid for a grab-and-go morning before an early tee time. No staff interaction the entire stay, which felt a little strange, but everything we needed was there. The course: In great shape, with new golf carts. Cart parking around the practice areas is well laid out — no parent traffic jams, which is worth calling out on its own. Walkability: Tough walk, and in the heat, players were visibly working to keep pace. TYGA allowed shuttling between holes and ran a golf cart shuttle for the longest walks. If you can forecaddie or shuttle for your player at this tournament, it's a real advantage. Play: Several blind tee shots and narrow fairways make it easy to lose a ball, but there's very little OB. On most holes, if you can find it, you can play it. Bathrooms: On-course restrooms have lights on a timer — you may need to feel around the wall for the switch, but they're there.