WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — After major floods caused the Greenbrier Classic to be canceled last year the PGA golf tournament is back on track for its 7th rendition.
MetroNews “Tee to Green” Host Fred Persinger said it’s amazing those at the Greenbrier Resort got the course repaired in a year considering the entire back nine had to rebuilt along with all 18 greens being replaced on the Old White TPC.
Persinger said many changes were made to the course, but fans who attend this week’s events will notice the biggest difference on the 18th hole.
“Number 18 used to have the big hump in the middle of the green that ran all the way across, that has been removed,” Persinger said. “I looked at it a couple weeks ago when I was at the Greenbrier for media day, and to me it looks like a horseshoe in the middle, I think it is going to bring some really nice Hole in one efforts this week.”
Persinger said as of last week, even more big names have joined the tournament looking for the win.
“As of last Thursday, Keegan Bradley and Webb Simpson both major championship winners, have entered into the tournament,” Persinger said. “That brings the number of golfers who have committed to 155.”
Persinger added he believes West Virginia could benefit from a big name winning the tournament, which could get golf fans nationwide talking about the Greenbrier Classic.
“I hope one of the names wins this tournament for Governor Justice and the state,” Persinger said. “To say nothing against guys who have won it in the past, but I think it would be great for the classic, great for West Virginia, if you could get a Phil Mickelson or Bubba Watson to win this tournament.”
Persinger will be analyzing the Greenbrier Classic every day this on his “Tee to Green” program live from just off the Old White’s first tee.
“Tremendous coverage on the network,” he said. “Hoppy’s show (MetroNews Talkline) will be live from the Classic every day this week. We are doing a special edition of Tee to Green Monday through Saturday from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through the end of the week we will be doing a special Tee to Green from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. talking about the tournament, scoring, and other things pertinent for the tournament.”
Practice rounds start Monday with the celebrity Pro-Am set for Wednesday. The tournament tees off Thursday morning.