They say the Masters doesn’t really get going until the second nine on Sunday. The coveted Green Jacket has been won and lost many times over the years especially when the iconic three holes known as Amen Corner loom large. At Quail Hollow – the host venue for this year’s PGA Championship – there’s another trio of holes that have been conspiring to make plenty in the field here in North Carolina sweat profusely. And it’s not just down to the sweltering temperatures out there on the course! The last three holes at this famous Charlotte venue are known as the Green Mile. For some, it’s one of the most difficult closing sequence of holes in the sport. In total, they measure just under 1,250 yards. The par-4 16th is a gargantuan 529 yards. It’s followed by a 223-yard par-3 and the closing hole – also a par 4 – comes in at 494 yards. Water is a clear and present danger across all three holes. Simply put, it’s a brutal test of every golfer’s resolve and patience. Just ask Bryson DeChambeau. He was at 8-under par and making a real charge late in the day Saturday before the perils of the Green Mile kicked in. After two straight birdies, then came a bogey at 16 and a double bogey at 17. ”It was just a tale of the wind going into me instead of downwind. It cost me three shots and that’s what happens here at Quail Hollow,” the US Open champion said. The 31 year-old, who plays on the LIV Golf circuit, doesn’t feel he did a whole lot wrong en route to a 2-under par third round 69 which only served to increase his frustrations. ”That’s why golf is the worst four-letter word in the world,” DeChambeau lamented. The top-ranked player in the men’s game is Scottie Scheffler. But even he is well aware of the threat posed by the Green Mile, although he navigated it well on Saturday as he powered his way into a three shot lead. “The approach shot into 16 is really tough. The tee shot on 17 is really tough. Then you’ve got 2 really challenging shots on 18 with the water on the left side,” Scheffler said. “There’s no real breathers in that stretch of holes and should make for a fun finish.” Fun is perhaps not the word Scheffler would have chosen after Thursday’s opening round during which he, the recently-crowned Masters champion Rory McIIroy and this tournament’s defending champion Xander Schauffele all double-bogeyed 16, albeit while battling demanding course conditions following the deluge of rain earlier in the week. McIIroy knows this course like the back of his hand. He’s won four times at Quail Hollow during his storied career but even he found himself having to avoid a double bogey at the last on Friday to stay in the tournament for the weekend. In the end, the five-time Major winner achieved his goal but only after a bogey following one at 17 too. Or take the plight of Justin Thomas who was the winner the last time the PGA Championship was played at Quail Hollow in 2017. Thomas – who won recently in South Carolina – failed to make the cut after two untimely bogeys in his last three holes. The Green Mile is not all doom and gloom though. It can even at times provide players with a big break when it comes to a stray rake. That was the experience of Venezuela’s Jhonattan Vegas who led the tournament through the first two rounds. On Friday, the South American’s drive at 17 was well off target before it struck a rake near a greenside bunker and then flew onto the green from where he would save par. “It was one of those things that happens in the sport. Sometimes you get a sprinkler head that goes out-of-bounds or the cart path that goes out-of-bounds or sometimes you hit a rake that goes on the green,” the four-time PGA Tour winner reflected. “It’s just part of the game, and you’ve just got to enjoy it all,” he added. Or how about the Ryan Gerard approach? The young American is playing in his first PGA Championship in his home state too. Gerard attended the University of North Carolina and as a college golfer, there was one sure way to try and conquer that daunting close hole at Quail Hollow. “I’ll give you a fun anecdote. In 2018, so six months after the PGA, we came out here as preparation for the NCAA nationals, and our coach made all six of us go on 18 tee and everyone had to play the 18th hole until all six made a par and at the same time in the same group,” the 25 year-old told reporters. “So, we were out there for quite a while. I learned a lot about the 18th hole on that day, and I hope that carries forward into this week.” There’s no question other factors will come into play during what’s sure to be a tension-filled final round but we can be sure of one thing. It’s highly likely Quail Hollow’s notoriously demanding finishing stretch will go a long way in determining who will lift the famed Wanamaker Trophy come Sunday evening.
The lurking menace of golf’s Green Mile
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"PGA Championship Highlights Challenges of Quail Hollow's Green Mile"
CNN
8.5
TruthLens AI Summary
The PGA Championship at Quail Hollow is renowned for its challenging closing stretch known as the Green Mile, which comprises the last three holes of the course. Measuring just under 1,250 yards in total, this sequence includes a par-4 16th hole that stretches 529 yards, a daunting 223-yard par-3 17th, and a 494-yard par-4 18th hole. Water hazards loom large on all three holes, creating a significant psychological and technical challenge for golfers. This year, players have faced not only the course's inherent difficulties but also the added pressure of sweltering temperatures, making the Green Mile a true test of skill and composure. Notably, Bryson DeChambeau experienced a dramatic shift in his performance, going from a strong position at 8-under par to suffering a bogey and a double bogey on the last two holes of the Green Mile, illustrating how quickly fortunes can change in this high-stakes environment. Similarly, even top-ranked players like Scottie Scheffler have acknowledged the treacherous nature of these holes, despite his successful navigation of them during his rounds.
The Green Mile has a reputation for both punishing mistakes and providing unexpected breaks. For instance, Jhonattan Vegas benefitted from a fortunate bounce off a rake that helped him save par on the 17th hole, highlighting the unpredictable nature of golf. Other players, including Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas, have faced their own struggles at these holes, with McIlroy battling to avoid a double bogey to stay in contention throughout the tournament. Ryan Gerard, a newcomer to the PGA Championship, shared his own experiences preparing for the 18th hole, emphasizing the importance of practice and familiarity with the course. As the tournament progresses towards its thrilling conclusion, it is clear that the challenges posed by the Green Mile will play a crucial role in determining who ultimately claims the Wanamaker Trophy on Sunday evening.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article sheds light on the challenges presented by the final holes at Quail Hollow, known as the Green Mile, during the PGA Championship. It emphasizes not only the physical demands of the course but also the psychological toll it takes on the players. This focus on the Green Mile aims to create a sense of drama and highlight the unpredictability of golf, especially in high-stakes situations.
Purpose of the Article
By detailing the struggles of players like Bryson DeChambeau and Scottie Scheffler, the article seeks to engage golf enthusiasts and draw attention to the competitive nature of the championship. The mention of personal experiences and emotions adds a relatable element, likely designed to enhance viewer interest and engagement with the tournament.
Public Perception
The narrative around the Green Mile serves to elevate its status as a formidable challenge in the golfing community. This can foster a perception of respect and awe for the course, potentially attracting more spectators and participants. By focusing on the difficulties players face, the article cultivates a storyline that emphasizes resilience and skill in golf.
Concealed Information
There doesn't appear to be any deliberate concealment of information. Instead, the article efficiently presents the challenges of the Green Mile as a focal point, possibly diverting attention from other aspects of the tournament that may not be as thrilling or competitive.
Reliability of the Information
The article seems to be credible, as it references well-known players and their experiences with the course. The challenges described align with common knowledge about Quail Hollow's reputation, lending authenticity to the piece.
Impact on Society and Economy
The heightened drama surrounding the Green Mile could influence attendance at the tournament, impacting local economies through increased tourism and engagement. As golf's popularity grows, it may also affect sponsorship deals and media coverage, ultimately influencing the sport's financial landscape.
Target Audience
The article appears to target golf fans and enthusiasts who appreciate the intricacies and challenges of the sport. By focusing on the experiences of professional players, it likely resonates with audiences who admire skillful play and the mental aspects of golf.
Market Influence
Even though this article is sports-focused, it may impact broader economic trends linked to sports marketing and sponsorships. Companies associated with golf or those looking to reach affluent demographics may find the heightened interest beneficial, potentially influencing stock prices for related businesses.
Geopolitical Context
While the article primarily discusses a sporting event, the popularity of golf can have broader implications for international relations and cultural exchanges, especially as players from various countries compete on a global stage.
Artificial Intelligence Utilization
It is possible that AI tools were employed in drafting or editing this article, particularly in the analysis of player performance or course statistics. AI could assist in shaping narratives to emphasize certain themes, such as the psychological challenges faced by golfers.
Manipulative Elements
There are no overt manipulative tactics in the article, but the dramatic portrayal of the Green Mile may lead to heightened emotional responses from readers, which could be seen as a subtle form of manipulation to generate interest in the event.
In conclusion, the article effectively combines the challenges of the Green Mile with personal anecdotes to create a compelling narrative that engages readers and enhances their interest in the PGA Championship.