January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
PGA: Port Royal will be a challenge
Director David Charles says course has great views
Officials from the association were in Bermuda this week for a site visit as preparations for the event step-up.
And David Charles, senior PGA Championships director, said he was pleased with the progress at the venue, which he believes will provide as stiff a test for the four Major winners as the Mid Ocean Club.
"The first eight holes are fantastic. We could play the tournament on them right now. The latter holes need some growing time but I think once the warm weather starts then the Bermuda grass will start to pop. We don't have any worries about that. I think it will be in great condition.
"I don't know what it was like before but I understand a lot of trees have been cut down and that's opened up the views of the ocean. It's pretty much a brand new golf course.
Before the first Bermuda PGA Grand Slam at the Mid Ocean in 2007 many had expressed concerns that the world's best players would make the course look like a 'pitch and putt'.
But the Atlantic winds, tough pin placements and tricky greens made life hard for the likes of Padraig Harrington, Jim Furyk and Angel Cabrera over the past two years as the course proved more than a match for the pros.
Charles believes Port Royal will offer a similar challenge.
"The course is very exposed and it will be a challenge. The 16th hole par three along the water would test any player - particularly if the wind blows like it is today.
"Port Royal is going to be a totally different experience (to Mid Ocean). It's a very good spectator course. You've got great views, everything is close to the clubhouse. You can see 10 holes from the front lawn of the clubhouse.
"From the fans point of view it's going to be a really good experience."
Charles said he and PGA managing director Kerry Haigh were also coordinating with local volunteers and corporate vendors as well as the TNT television crew, which is on the island to plan its coverage ahead of time.
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