CHARLOTTE, NC. As predicted the final trio of holes at Quail Hollow –affectionately called “The Green Mile” was front and center in delivering.
During yesterday’s round, here is a summary of how the field played the ‘Green Mile’ (holes 16, 17 and 18):
| -2 or better | 0 |
| -1 | 11 |
| Even | 44 |
| +1 | 42 |
| +2 | 42 |
| +3 or worse | 17 |
The following 11 players played it under par (-1):
Chris Kirk
Gary Woodland
Michael Kim
Joaquin Niemann
Christiaan Bezuidenhout
Cameron Davis
Alex Smalley
Marco Penge
Ryo Hisatsune
Nico Echavarria
Akshay Bhatia
As a whole, the field played those three holes at 171 strokes over par (+64 on #16, +58 on #17 and +49 on #18).
Word to the wise – buckle up and expect more such numbers to come.
Related: Wannamaker Trophy awaits
M. James Ward
A long-time member of both the GWAA and MGWA. The 68-year-old has covered all facets in golf since 1980 — including reporting on over 100 major championships and 13 Ryder Cup matches. His writings have appeared in various outlets. On a personal level, has played over 2,000 courses globally and is lead reviewer for Top 100 Golf Courses.
Previously served for 17 years as national course rating panelist for Golf Digest. Has also personally competed in USGA Championships. Resides in the metro New York City area with his wife Celeste. Favorite quote paraphrased for golf — “You are what your golf score says you are.”