ON TOUR

Wachovia turns to
'Rockovia' with
Woods in the field

By Shane Sharp,
Contributing Writer

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 30, 2004) -- As if Masters champ Phil Mickelson, Mike Weir, Davis Love III, Vijay Singh and defending champ David Toms weren't enough pedigree for a stellar event, Tiger Woods will be joining the field at the Wachovia Championship May 3-9 at the Quail Hollow Country Club.

• David Toms Profile • Charlotte Mayor is a believer • Getting down to business in the queen city • Charlotte gears up for inaugural Wachovia Championship

Woods, fresh off of boot camp in nearby Fort Bragg, committed to the Wachovia amid a sea of cheers from Queen City residents and tournament officials. Only in its second year, the Wachovia has emerged as one of the Tour's most popular non-major events. Last year's participants had high praises for the golf course, the city of Charlotte and the perks - including a two amateur pro-am, Mercedes courtesy cars and a leather bound player's handbooks.

Of course, the generous purse doesn't hurt. This year, a field that includes four of the top five money winners will be competing for a $5.6 million grab ($1 million winner's share) that ranks among the highest on Tour, major or non-major. They will do so on a classic George Cobb original, Tom Fazio-revamped layout that many players cited as being "major material" last year.

Woods, Mickelson, sunny days in the 80s and a drop dead gorgeous setting all add to up a sell out. The final remaining tickets for the Wachovia were scooped up even before Woods committed last week. If you're one of the lucky thousands who procured a spot in the gallery this week, cheers to you. And should the desire to sneak off and play a little golf of your own become irrepressible, here's a solid lineup of daily fee and resort courses in the Quail Hollow area.

A chip shot away -- The Ballantyne Golf Resort is situated about five minutes south of Quail Hollow in the tony Ballantyne area of south Charlotte. The course opened 1998 and has emerged as one of the most popular tracks in town. It is a rollercoaster of a layout with one of the best finishing holes (the par-4 18th) in the Western Piedmont. Should your game require a tune up, the Dana Radar Golf School is located on site at the far end of the driving range.

A mid-iron away -- Springfield Golf Club is located about 15 minutes south of Quail Hollow in Fort Mill, S.C. The layout comes courtesy of Clyde Johnston, and it's a memorable one to say the least. Springfield has enough elevation change to deliver a mountain golf feel, and the bentgrass greens are among the best the Queen City has to offer. Thinking of switching to Natural Golf? Head professional Mike Bartholomew is a certified 'Natty Golf instructor.

A long iron away -- Stonebridge Golf Club pitches itself as being "closer (to Charlotte) than you think." And the scenic drive through bucolic Union County does help to pass the time. At the end of the 30-minute journey is a Rick Osborne designed course that will appeal to "core golf" fans. The 6,950-yard linksy circuit is devoid of housing and is eminently walkable. Front nine meanders through some stately hardwoods while the back nine is wide open and windswept.

Wachovia Championship wachoviachampionship.com Ballantyne Golf Resort ballantyneresort.com Springfield Golf Club leroysprings.com Stonebridge Golf Club stonebridgegolfclub.com Olde Sycamore Golf Plantation oldesycamoregolf.com Charlotte National http://www.golfcarolina.com/ course-reviews/charlotte-national.htm Mello Mushroom mellowmushroom.com Woods Conspiracy Theory Word on the street is that Woods owed Wachovia Championship Tournament Director Kym Hougham a favor for a sponsor's exemption Hougham granted him in the 1996 Quad City Classic.

Also in play -- Charlotte's far east side, including the towns of Mint Hill and Indian Trail, is something of a golf hotbed. For an upscale, semiprivate experience, check out Old Sycamore Golf Plantation - a Tom Jackson designed layout with a handful of memorable (and puzzling) holes. For a "value" course that can hold its own with higher priced products, head to Charlotte National in Indian Trail. National is a Russell Breeden designed layout with no homes, no frills, and huge bentgrass greens.

Eating out -- After the last putt falls at the Wachovia, head to the Hickory Tavern near the intersection of Carmel Road and U.S. 51. The HT has a lively outdoor patio and menu chock full of above average bar food. For pizza and pints, pull up a barstool at the proverbially funky Mello Mushroom at the intersection of Quail Hollow and Carmel Roads. Upscale eaters don't despair - Charlotte's preeminent steakhouse, the Palm, is just ten minutes north of Quail Hollow in the chic Phillips Place shopping center.

Shane Sharp is the contributing writer of TravelGolf.com. To comment on this story, go to our reader feedback page.

Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.