I know the British Open hasn't even been played yet but it seems like a few Tour players are chiming on about Whistling Straits where the PGA Championship will be held. Apparently, Rich Beem doesn't like the prospect of having to hit 3 or 4 irons into the green all day. Maybe he'll get a taste of how golf feels like for me!
I know the British Open hasn't even been played yet but it seems like a few Tour players are chiming on about Whistling Straits where the PGA Championship will be held.
From all I've seen and read about Whistling Straits, the complaining has just begun. Whistling Straits will be an extremely difficult test, as well as a course most of the field will be unfamiliar with. That's a combination that is sure to bring out the whiners. I don't necessarily need to see nearly impossible greens (ala Shinnecock Hills) but I want to see golf shots with all the clubs in their bags. Looks like Driver, wedge, putter won't work at Whistling Straits. Let the crying begin.
I wouldn't mind if two shots either side of par wins the PGA Championship.
After thinking about this for some time, I have come to the conclusion the pros are whiners. The four majors are tournaments above all other tournaments. Ask any pro if he would rather win the PGA Championship (or any other major) or the John Deere Classic, and they will all say the PGA. The majors are supposed to be hard. It is the ulitmate test of shot making ability and mental toughness. They need to stop crying and play golf. How many complain about the toughness of The Open courses. None to my knowledge. Why? Because St. Andrews, Troon, Royal Lytham, etc. are storied courses and part of golf history (throw in Augusta National and the greens, too). You can't complain about 8 foot deep pot bunkers that you have to hit to the side or rear to get out of, hopefully in one shot. Those are part of the character of the course. Whistling Straits? Sounds British. Give it a few decades before the whining will stop for this course. This course will probably be visited every 15 years of so for the tour. It will just take time to get used to the unknown.
I've only seen pics from their website, but it looks unbelievable. Shinecock Hills on steroids. But the difference is that the PGA, IMO, won't let the course set up go over the top. Greens will more that likely hold a properly struck shot and the tees will be moved if needed to take the winds into consideration. For example, there is a 500 yd par 4 (I think it's #9), but if the wind is blowing hard in the face of the players, I would bet the PGA would move the markers up. The USGA would never do that.
After this year, I bet the pros will be sick and tired of playing links style golf courses. Shinecock, Troon and now Whistling. The difference is that to make WS, as compared to Shinecock and any British Open course, is that they had to manufacture that "look" by moving a lot of dirt. But it is stunning to say the least. Should be fun to watch.
From all I've seen and read about Whistling Straits, the complaining has just begun. Whistling Straits will be an extremely difficult test, as well as a course most of the field will be unfamiliar with. That's a combination that is sure to bring out the whiners. I don't necessarily need to see nearly impossible greens (ala Shinnecock Hills) but I want to see golf shots with all the clubs in their bags. Looks like Driver, wedge, putter won't work at Whistling Straits. Let the crying begin.
I wouldn't mind if two shots either side of par wins the PGA Championship.
If the wind is blowing 15-20 mph, could we see another "Winged Foot Massacre" where 7 or 8 over wins? I'm just an average hack, but after viewing the pics I can't imagine anyone under par. And I don't think the PGA will do anything to trick up the course - it just looks darn near impossible.
July 12th, 2004, 04:56 PM
Let the crying begin. 
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