This week the PGA Tour moves to Charlotte, N.C. and the Quail Hollow Club for the Quail Hollow Championship. GCSAA Class A superintendent Jeff Kent hosts his fifth event at a golf course that has always played to rave reviews from Tour professionals, ensuring a strong field.
Kent indicates there are no major changes to the golf course, with minor tweaking to No. 8 with lowering the approach and moving the fairway slightly. The rough will be mowed at two inches this year after playing at 3 inches last year. The final three holes will provide for an exciting finish as Nos. 16-18 each have been ranked among the most difficult of any Tour event –including the majors– during the last five years. No. 17 offers a particular challenge as the par-3 requires a shot over water to a green protected by a front-center bunker. Closely mowed collection areas will gobble up errant shots as well.
Kent’s management of the course is aided by an irrigation system that conserves water by providing site specific watering with 300 quick coupling valves. Quail Hollow has vaulted Sub Air units in every green that have the ability to remove or add moisture/air based on needs. He also will welcome 75 volunteers from all over the world, including turfgrass students from 10 different universities.
Grass type: | |
Weather: A few showers are forecasted for Thursday, with scattered thunderstorms each day thereafter. Temperatures are forecasted in the high 70s and low 80s all week. | |
Yardage: 7,114 yards. Par-72. | |
Signature hole: Quail Hollow Club has two signature holes. The 346-yard 14th is a dogleg left par-4 that can be driven with a good tee shot. Anything hit left has a very good chance of ending up in the hazard. The 17th hole is a 217-yard par-3 over water. A rock wall lines this part of the lake and borders the left and front of the green. Short is dead, as there are only six feet between the edge of the putting surface and the hazard. |
