The final major golf championship starts Thursday, Aug. 10 at a site well known to most players—Quail Hollow. The 99th PGA Championship will, however, be contested on a layout changed from the last time the world’s best competed at the 2016 Wells Fargo event, an annual PGA stop.
The original George Cobb layout has been altered over the last 15 years by the work of acclaimed architect Tom Fazio. For the 2017 PGA Championship, several holes were modified adding additional challenges and strategies. Four specific holes bear watching as they will likely play a major role in determining which player hoists the famed Wannamaker Trophy.
7th Hole / Par 5 / 546 Yards
This is the shortest par 5 on the course and most of the players will reach the green in two shots, making an eagle a real possibility. It is a tight driving hole and tee shots must navigate bunkers on the left, plus a creek that runs down the entire right side. The sloped green is tucked behind water and surrounded by bunkers, making this hole a harder endeavor than it first appears.
14th Hole / Par 4 / 344 Yards
Hazards abound on this harsh, hilly par 4 where bunkers protrude into the landing area on both sides of the fairway. Players must aim at a long, narrow green while avoiding six bunkers and water all the way down the left side. There are multiple options—from driving the green to laying back with a long iron—but whatever the players choose, the range of scoring opportunities will certainly be present.
