Reflections on Day 1 of PGA Championship
I’m halfway recovered from Day 1 of the PGA Championship, about to head out and enjoy Day 2. But first, a few reflections on Day 1…
- There were three, maybe four horns sounded to halt play due to weather. It made for a herky-jerky, hurry-up-and-wait kinda day. The good news is the course mostly avoided any bullets, as nearby Sheboygan was pounded with an inch of rain, yet the Straits Course only received a fraction of that.
- A lot of this tournament feels like deja vu for me, as I covered the PGA Championship in 2010. For the veteran crew — Mike Lee, Chris Zugel, Joe Sell and even former assistant superintendent Emily Shircel, who came out of retirement to mow greens this week — it feels the same. Joe, always meticulous, has all the equipment staged in perfect order, Chris is still sarcastic, Mike still stoic. This crew, though young in years, is old in major championship experience.
- Speaking of sarcasm, Zugel’s line of the day was in regards to green speeds, and directed toward the entire crew. “Remember, if anyone asks you what the speeds are, your answer should be ‘championship speed’ …unless you’re lucky enough to speak Spanish, and then just speak Spanish until they leave you alone.”
- Sunsets at this course are phenomenal, as we’re about to show you with a photo slideshow post we’re putting together.
- More soon, including video and player interviews… look for a Golfdom Insider out this afternoon!