The staff and volunteers at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, N.C., have been fighting the rain this week as they prepare for the PGA Championship. Photo by Howard Richman
First there was a drought. Now there’s rain, way more than he would like. Keith Wood manages to overcome challenges with his trademark positivity, fueled by a “light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel” outlook. That perspective certainly comes in handy now.
Preparations at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, N.C., continue today on the eve of the 107th PGA Championship. On Tuesday .6 inches of rain and a tree struck by lightning near the fifth hole followed quite a stretch at the club that two weeks ago was in a drought. Since May 3, Quail Hollow has had 5 inches of rain, including more than 1 inch Sunday.
The maddening part for Wood, director of green and grounds, is that the club overall was in a wonderful spot leading up to the lengthy weather curveball. Did it dampen his spirit? Briefly. “I’m pissed. But what am I going to do?” says Wood. “The course is perfect, and you get dumped on.”
His mood softened, but his objectives remain steadfast. “You preach positivity. Opportunity. And we’re going to get through this thing,” he says.
Tuesday wasn’t a complete wash. Except for No. 12, fairways were mowed. The course, though, remained soft from rain. Yet again, he chose to look on the bright side. “The greens really are good with a well-maintained sand-based root zone,” he says.
As for bunkers? Wood, a 29-year GCSAA member, was honest. “They’re going to take a lot of work.” The rough was last cut on Sunday, measuring in at 2.75 inches. That turned out to be the final cut, Wood says. “We’re done.” By Sunday, it could be up to at least 4 inches.
In any case, PGA of America Chief Championship Officer Kerry Haigh supports Wood and his team and approximately 130-strong team of volunteers. “They’re doing an incredible job,” Haigh says.
On Sunday, the PGA of America will crown a champion. Wood plans to carry a positive perspective through to the end. What else did you expect?
“I’m a fixer. Get it done. That’s our nature as superintendents,” Wood says.
Howard Richman, GCM associate editor.