How many golfer’s have hit a great shot onto the green and seen that their shot has landed where the hole used to be, but instead of being left with a minuscule putt, still have on of several metres?
The professionals may well have someone to blame if that is the case in the final round of the PGA Championship this year, as it will be up to the public to decide where the pin is placed.
The PGA of America has announced a contest called “PGA Championship pick-the-hole Location Challenge hosted by golfing great Jack Nicklaus.
Fans can go to the PGA website (www.PGA.com/pickthe hole )and from August 10th can vote for one of four options on the location of the pin at the par three 15th hole at Oak Hill, and in the final round of the PGA Championship, the final major of the year.
Why the 15th hole? The reason this has been chosen is that Nicklaus won his record-tying fifth PGA Championship at Oak Hill in 1980 by seven shots over Andy Bean. That was the largest margin victory in the PGA Championship until Rory McIlroy won by eight strokes last year at Kiawah Island.
The 15th hole is 181yards with three bunkers on the left and water all along the right-hand side of the hole. Fans will not be able to place the pin where they want, but will have a choice of four locations. It is an interesting hole, and with the green sheltered by a tree on the left and is often influenced by the direction of the wind.
On the website fans can get a visual presentation of the location and audio of Nicklaus explaining the differences as to how it may affect the shot being played. There will be a competition held in conjunction with the contest with a prize for someone to enjoy a behind-the-scenes experience at the PGA Championship next year at Valhalla.
One thing is for sure it is bound to generate a great deal of interest come the final round. Will the players like the interaction with the golfing fans around the world, time will tell, but it is a great way to bridge the gap between the two.
