CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Complaining about golf courses is a common theme among pros, even when playing on the best courses in the world. This week, the grumbling has reached new levels at Quail Hollow, the site of the PGA Championship. Some players, like Hunter Mahan, liken the course to a Kardashian – beautiful but lacking soul. However, defenders like Max Homa and Wyndham Clark appreciate the modern design and unique features of the course.
While past winners like Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas find the course familiar and not much different from previous tournaments, others see Quail Hollow as a place that lacks excitement and strategic challenges. The course, which has been hosting tournaments since 2003, may be too familiar to players, making it less appealing in terms of strategy and competition.
Despite the criticisms, some players see the upside of playing at Quail Hollow. Past winners can draw on their positive memories to boost their confidence as they navigate the challenges of the course. Overall, opinions on Quail Hollow vary, with some praising its modern design and others criticizing its lack of character and excitement.
I’ve managed all of that mentally on this very golf course in this very tournament.
Visually, Quail Hollow is stunning — vibrant and verdant, with majestic trees and an elegant white clubhouse. However, if that description sounds somewhat familiar, it might be part of the issue.
Quail Hollow bears resemblance to Augusta National without the rich history or on-course excitement of the Masters’ venue, and unlike clubhouses or courses, you can’t simply purchase your way into legendary status. That requires time… and significant success. Every course has hosted its inaugural major at some point; the truly exceptional ones continue to do so.
Unlike the U.S. Open, the PGA Championship hasn’t mapped out its venues for the latter half of the 21st century. The first available date for the PGA Championship is 2033, and Quail Hollow does not yet have a third date in the rotation. A captivating tournament devoid of off-course controversies (apologies, Valhalla) with a beloved champion might just sway the PGA to consider bringing a major back to Gleneagles Road in south Charlotte… regardless of the naysayers.
After all, as the Kardashians have demonstrated, it doesn’t matter what people are saying about you as long as they are still talking about you.