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KIAWAH ISLAND -- In these drought-stricken days, the people who own golf
courses appreciate every drop of rain. The eight inches that drenched Kiawah
Island on Wednesday might have been a little over the top, however.
A lagoon that fronts the par-3 17th hole of the Ocean Course had overflowed
its banks, and Thursday afternoon a seven-foot alligator was lazily swimming
along the edge of what normally is a cart path. Nearby, golfers were testing
the course under playing conditions set up to approximate what the pros will
find for next year's PGA Championship.
"Every year we try to do the same thing, have a trial run at about the same
time of year the championship will be for the following year," said Kerry
Haigh, managing director of tournaments and marketing for the PGA of
America.
The Ocean Course opened in time for the 1991 Ryder Cup Matches. It also has
been the site of the 2005 PGA Club Professional Championship and the 2007
Senior PGA Championship, as well as two World Cups.
The tentative setup for 2012 will have golfers playing at approximately
7,606 yards; from the very back tees it can be stretched to more than 8,000
yards.
During this week's site visit, Haigh, who is in charge of course setup for
PGA of America events, has worked with superintendent Jeff Stone and other
members of the Kiawah Island Golf Resort staff. One thing they have been
examining closely is green speeds and what happens if they are cut once or
double cut, as well as what happens when the greens are rolled (to increase
firmness).
"They also have been looking at fairway and rough lines and examining
different tees for possible use next year.
"We get a feel for what things will be like next year," Haigh said, "the
weather, the wind, the sun, the daylight, sunset. This way we have an idea
or a plan going into next year so we're not trying to guess."
Haigh said the rain also was helpful for planning purposes.
"We can see what happens when you get a heavy rain," Haigh said. "We checked
out the (public) parking lot, which thankfully was remarkably dry.
"You could park on it this morning, which is incredible. The golf course,
from a playing standpoint, you could see where any water collects or any
spectator issues in terms of moving people. Hopefully, we won't have another
rain like that."
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