The PGA Championship is well underway and The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, South Carolina, is living up to its hype of being a tough course to navigate. With the cut at +5, the course played more difficult than I expected. Even though this is a Major and the course set up is supposed to be challenging, I was surprised to watch the best players in have difficulty navigate the most consist and difficult hazard. If you are wondering what I am talking about you might want to watch a few videos and watch the players clothes flap like crazy.
The wind was the biggest hazard at the PGA Championship on the second day. I watched many players adjust their shots for the 25 mph winds that affect every shot. When the announcers were suggesting that the putts needed to be played 3 and 4 inches more to the break because of the wind I was a bit flabbergasted. I have never played on a course where the wind affected my putts that much. I have played fast greens, but not where wind-swept flat surfaces posed such a challenge. Until I found this:
I watched players hit short, long, left and right all because of the wind. I have played in the wind before, but never on a course measuring 7,876 yards. For my game, this would be a par 80. š And even then I an not sure I would be under bogey golf. The wind is definitely the biggest hazard at The Ocean Course and I expect this will continue today through the final holes on Sunday.
On a side note:
I have to jump on the band wagon and cheer for Phil Mickelson to win his 6th Major. There is still plenty of golf to play and I hope that Phil is able to navigate The Ocean Course and the wind.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 
Jim, I didn’t see any action from Friday but am surprised Phil is at the top of the leader board. Since Koepka is lurking, I’d have to favor him. Seems like Mr. Major is rounding himself back into big game condition. Would be awesome to see Phil pull it off at 50. Enjoy the weekend action!
Brian
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Brian,
I agree that it is way to early to select any winner. The leaders will have to play in the teeth of the wind, so that will likely affect the overall scores. If someone starts our early with a low score, moving day will be very exciting. Have a great weekend.
Cheers Jim
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I’ve always liked playing in the wind. But it can be trouble for sure. Most of the past two weeks we’ve battled the wind. And for the most part, I’ve done pretty well. Not today though. We played a different course and my distance control was way off there. And the stinger I’ve been hitting all week with such success decided to fail miserably today. The few times I tried it I pulled every one. Lost three balls that way before giving up on it for the round.
And btw, I’m a fan of paspalum grass. It makes a great putting surface. It’s so good that wind will easily effect the ball if it’s strong enough.
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Kevin,
Tough round of golf for sure. I am hitting the links in 5 hours as our courses are officially open. Going to be a slower round because the course will be packed. Oh well, at least we are playing.
Cheers Jim
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