WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — The Greenbrier Classic field will feature all four of the event’s previous champions, along with the expected inclusion of resort golf pro emeritus Tom Watson.
The Greenbrier Classic announced Thursday the commitment of Watson, an eight-time major champion who will captain the U.S. Ryder Cup team in September. At
“Tom Watson is one of the all-time greats in the game,” said Greenbrier owner Jim Justice.
Watson’s third start at The Greenbrier three led to his best finish, a tie for 38th at 4-under.
“Competing on The Old White TPC Course with some of the best players in the world during The Greenbrier Classic is always one of the highlights of my year,” Watson said. “I’m especially looking forward to this year’s tournament as we celebrate the 100th birthday of The Old White.”
Meanwhile, Stuart Appleby (2010), Scott Stallings (2011), Ted Potter, Jr. (2012), and reigning champion Jonas Blixt will be seeking their second Greenbrier titles.
Blixt, the 30-year-old Swedish native, tied for runner-up at The Masters and is currently ranked No. 36 in the world.
The 30-year-old Potter recorded his lone PGA Tour victory at the 2012 Greenbrier. He holds tournament records for lowest scoring average at 66.88 and career earnings with more than $1.3 million. This will be Potter’s third start at The Greenbrier Classic coming off a tie for sixth last year. The Florida native has three top-25 finishes during the 2013-14 season—topped by tying for 13th at the FedEx St. Jude Classic.
Stallings, the 2011 Greenbrier champion, will be making his fourth start on The Old White ad owns a tournament scoring average of 68.5. The 29-year-old has recorded three PGA titles since turning professional in 2007. His latest victory came at the 2014 Farmers Insurance Open. Stallings is currently ranked No. 76 in the world.
The Australian Appleby, 43, set The Old White TPC Course record with a final-round 59 in the 2010 inaugural Greenbrier. He has recorded two top-10 PGA finishes this season. A T8 finish at The Honda Classic is currently his best outing of the year. Appleby has posted nine career PGA victories over his 22-year professional career and has career tour earnings eclipsing $28 million.
The Greenbrier Classic will take place from June 30-July 6.