i've always liked how the GBO did 1-day C-tiers during the week but it didn't occur to me until now that it's one way you could increase the number of spectators at our big events.
if i were on the fence about going to watch a relatively close Major or NT, the opportunity to play a tournament round during the event would be a huge draw.
Aren't those one *round* C-tiers played before the proper event starts, though (like Thursday before a Fri-Sun tournament)? I always thought they were more like bonus play for those getting into town early or locals who might not have gotten into the big tournament. Not sure how much of a draw for spectators they really could be, since I'd imagine most folks coming out just to spectate would probably come for the weekend rounds only.
What they used to do at the USDGC (they might still, it's been a few years since I've been) is have a small tournament at a nearby course on the final day. Players that missed the cut could play as well as non-USDGC participants, then when it ended, they could shoot across town to Winthrop and catch the leaders just as they began their round.