Charlotte gears
up for inaugural
Wachovia Championship

By Shane Sharp,
Contributing Writer

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 19, 2003) -- The Queen City has seen its fair share of memorable sports moments - the arrival of the NBA Hornets in 1988 and the NFL Panthers in 1994 among them. But May 5, 2003 will rank up there with the best of them if the inaugural Wachovia Championship plays to its potential. The field is slated to be one of the best for a non-major this season, the $5.6 purse is one of the richest of the year, and the traditionally styled host course - the Quail Hollow Country Club - easily could emerge as favorite among Tour players.

Then there's that Tiger Woods fellow. A recent Dallas Morning News article speculated that Woods would play in the Wachovia Championship if he opted out of the Deutsche Bank-SAP Open in Germany because of safety concerns. As of this writing, tournament officials had no official word on Woods' plans.

"It is safe to say that we have interest from the greatest players in the world and we'll have a wonderful, successful event with our without Tiger Woods," said tournament director Kym Hougham. "Certainly, it would change the face of the event in terms of the television audience and the ticket value, but I can't comment on specific commitments this early."

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It is safe, however, to delve into some of the bells and whistles tournament organizers used to make the Wachovia Championship attractive to the Tour's top names. Prospective players were provided leather-bound player handbooks containing maps, key dates, phone numbers and detailed information on Charlotte area hotels and restaurants. The traditional Wednesday pro-am groups will be limited to two amateurs and one PGA Tour professional, and special provisions for player's families will be made available the entire week.

"This will be one of the most unique, memorable events for the players in 2003," said Steve Luquire, vice chair of media relations. "Hopefully they will remember the way they were treated and keep us on their schedules for years to come."

It also could be one of the most memorable events for fans. A cap on attendance will provide better access to players and will reduce wait times in concession and bathroom lines. Entertainment will be provided each night, including food, beverages and bands. Shuttles between Quail Hollow and remote parking lots will be equipped with televisions running highlights of tournament action and attendants to assist with directions and other fan queries.

"One of the biggest things fans and people watching on TV will notice is the lack of commercialism," Luquire said. "Give credit to Wachovia. They could have plastered their name all over this tournament and they didn't. They wanted it to exude class."

Class and amenities aside, Sunday afternoon it will be the players vs. the golf course. The layout at Quail Hollow was originally designed by George Cobb in 1961. Arnold Palmer's design group modified a number of holes in 1986, and Tom Fazio gave the track a complete makeover in 1997. Fazio recently returned to assist in making the course tournament ready, including lengthening a series of holes, relocating tee boxes, and altering greens to allow for additional pin placements.

"Not only will it be a strong test of golf, but we think it will be one of the most aesthetically pleasing courses they play this season," Luquire said. "It will be overseeded (with winter rye grass) so it will be a wonderful, deep green that will be striking to the eye."

The par-72 layout will play to nearly 7,400 yards from the championship tees. Despite its length, Quail Hollow's has long been considered an approach shot golf course. The majority of greens follow the unusual contours of the hills and require precise shots to the correct portion of the putting surface. In true championship style, the closing holes should provide plenty of drama. The 192-yard par-3 17th requires a laser-straight long iron over water. The 478-yard par-4 18th is a meaty two-shotter that could become on of the Tour's stronger finishing holes. A deep creek bed meanders along the entire left side of the hole and should be a factor on approach shots.

"We believe the combination of the course, the purse, the atmosphere and all the other little things will keep the best players in the world coming back," said Luquire. "And the corporate support has been incredible. The hospitality is virtually sold out and in a down economy that shows how the event is valued in Charlotte."

Not just valued; coveted. The May 5-11 date is the first spring slot to become available on Tour in 30 years. Quail Hollow hosted the Kemper Open from 1969 to 1979, but the tournament was held during the dog days of summer.

"We couldn't have hoped for a better slot," said Luquire. "Charlotte comes into its own in early May."

Wachovia Championships
When: May 5-11
Where: The Quail Hollow Country Club
Tickets: (800) 945-0777 or
www.wachoviachampionship.com

Clickitgolf expands to the Triangle

Clickitgolf recently announced an expansion into Raleigh/Durham, N.C. and partnerships with more than nine Raleigh/Durham area golf courses, joining the more than 70 courses already affiliated in the Charlotte, Pinehurst/Fayetteville, Greensboro/Highpoint, Greeneville/Spartanburg, S.C. and the York County, S.C. regions.

Triangle affiliate courses include Brevofield Golf Links, Crossings at Grove Park, Hillandale Golf Course, Mill Creek Golf Club, Pine Hollow Golf Course, Quarry Hills Country Club, Shamrock Golf Club, Wake Forest Golf Club and Southwick Golf Course.

Clickitgolf is an instant Internet feedback auction site for golf tee times. The service was launched in May of 2001 and is currently partnering with more than 80 golf courses throughout North and South Carolina. Clickitgolf members can log on to the Clickitgolf.com Web site 24 hours a day, seven days a week to bid for a convenient tee times at a discounted price of up to 40 percent off regular daily greens fee.

Ballantyne Resort to host "demo-day"

A "demo day" that is open to the public will be held at Ballantyne Resort golf course in south Charlotte on Saturday, April 5. The hours are 9-4, and there is no admission charge.

Ballantyne golf professional Woody Allen said that 11 major manufacturers would be on hand, including Callaway, Titleist, Ping, Nike, Taylor Made and others. Representatives from each company will display new equipment, fit clubs and answer questions. Participants are invited to test clubs on the Ballantyne Resort practice range.

There will also be a long drive contest at 11 a.m. with a $1,000 prize going to the winner. There is a $10 entry fee for this event. Participants may also enter a chipping and putting with a set of Hogan irons going to the winner in each category.

Members of the Ballantyne Resort golf staff will be on hand throughout the day to assist with instruction and club fitting. For more information, call 704/341-4653.