In light of a seriously unkind weather forecast the Quail Hollow Club has decided to close the grounds to fans this week. Widespread 2-4” rainfall totals are expected through the early half of the week. In anticipation, officials are precautionarily moving forward with countermeasures ahead of the season’s second big international event. The PGA Championship opening on Thursday, everyone is hoping the nasty weather will pass by then.
While Quail Hollow Club will be closed to fans this year, players will still be allowed to practice on the course. This ruling not only provides a level playing field for competitors to compete for the championship, but protects their health and safety. Practice sessions are contingent on the lack of lightning in the vicinity. This underscores the importance of our effort to provide a safe environment for our players in extreme weather situations.
This is not unlike the mess that occurred at last month’s Masters, where scattered storms were able to wreak havoc as well. Fans were sent home early because of deteriorating weather, proving the unpredictability of outdoor sports moments. Like at the Masters, fans with the Monday ticket were given good access on either Tuesday or Wednesday. This new policy would establish a very dangerous precedent for the PGA Championship to follow.
With a positive outlook for conditions to improve ahead of Thursday’s opening round, players and fans alike are optimistic for better conditions. The staff at Quail Hollow Club is in constant communication with meteorologists. Those who organize them go to great lengths to ensure safety is the top priority without compromising the spirit of the event.
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