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PGA players will feel like kings in Queen City
By SHANE SHARP
CHARLOTTE – The Queen City has seen its fair
share of memorable sports moments – the arrival of the NBA Hornets in 1988 and
the NFL Panthers in 1994 among them. But May 5, 2003 will rank up there with the
best of them if the inaugural Wachovia Championship plays to its potential. The
field is slated to be one of the best for a non-major this season, the $5.6
purse is one of the richest of the year, and the traditionally styled host
course – the Quail Hollow Country Club – could easily emerge as favorite among
Tour players.
Then there’s that Tiger Woods fellow. A recent
Dallas Morning News article speculated that Woods would play in the Wachovia
Championship if he opted out of the Deutsche Bank-SAP Open in Germany because of
safety concerns. As of this writing, tournament officials had no official word
on Woods’ plans.
“It is safe to say that we have interest from
the greatest players in the world and we’ll have a wonderful, successful event
with or without Tiger Woods,” said tournament director Kym Hougham. “Certainly,
it would change the face of the event in terms of the television audience and
the ticket value, but I can’t comment on specific commitments this early.”
It is safe, however, to delve into some of the
bells and whistles tournament organizers used to make the Wachovia Championship
attractive to the Tour’s top names. Prospective players were provided
leather-bound player handbooks containing maps, key dates, phone numbers and
detailed information on Charlotte area hotels and restaurants. The traditional
Wednesday Pro-Am groups will be limited to two amateurs and one PGA Tour
professional, and special provisions for player’s families will be made
available the entire week.
“This will be one of the most unique, memorable
events for the players in 2003,” said Steve Luquire, vice chair of media
relations. “Hopefully they will remember the way they were treated and keep us
on their schedules for years to come.”
It could also be one of the most memorable
events for fans. A cap on attendance will provide better access to players and
will reduce wait times in concession and bathroom lines. Entertainment will be
provided each night, including food, beverages and bands. Shuttles between Quail
Hollow and remote parking lots will be equipped with televisions running
highlights of tournament action and attendants to assist with directions and
other fan queries.
“One of the biggest things fans and people
watching on TV will notice is the lack of commercialism,” Luquire said. “Give
credit to Wachovia. They could have plastered their name all over this
tournament and they didn’t. They wanted it to exude class.”
Class and amenities aside, Sunday afternoon it
will be the players vs. the golf course. The layout at Quail Hollow was
originally designed by George Cobb in 1961. Arnold Palmer’s design group
modified a number of holes in 1986, and Tom Fazio gave the track a complete
makeover in 1997. Fazio recently returned to assist in making the course
tournament ready, including lengthening a series of holes, relocating tee boxes,
and altering greens to allow for additional pin placements.
“Not only will it be a strong test of golf, but
we think it will be one of the most aesthetically pleasing courses they play
this season,” Luquire said. “It will be overseeded (with winter rye grass) so it
will be a wonderful, deep green that will be striking to the eye.”
The par-72 layout will play to nearly 7,400
yards from the championship tees. Despite its length, Quail Hollow’s has long
been considered an approach shot golf course. The majority of greens follow the
unusual contours of the hills and require precise shots to the correct portion
of the putting surface. In true championship style, the closing holes should
provide plenty of drama. The 192-yard par-3 17th requires a laser-straight long
iron over water. The 478-yard par-4 18th is a meaty two-shotter that could
become on of the Tour’s stronger finishing holes. A deep creek bed meanders
along the entire left side of the hole and should be a factor on approach shots.
“We believe the combination of the course, the
purse, the atmosphere and all the other little things will keep the best players
in the world coming back,” said Luquire. “And the corporate support has been
incredible. The hospitality is virtually sold out and in a down economy that
shows how the event is valued in Charlotte.”
Not just valued; coveted. The May 5-11 date is
the first spring slot to become available on Tour in 30 years. Quail Hollow
hosted the Kemper Open from 1969 to 1979, but the tournament was held during the
dog days of summer.
“We couldn’t have hoped for a better slot,”
said Luquire. “Charlotte comes into its own in early May.”
If You Go
What: The Wachovia Championship
When: May 5-11
Where: The Quail Hollow Country Club
Tickets: (800) 945-0777 or
www.wachoviachampionship.com
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