WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — The 2013 Greenbrier Classic is shaping up to host the strongest field in its four-year history, even though Tiger Woods won’t be a part of it.
“Our field list is shaping up nicely,” said Monte Ortel, the tournament’s director. “We’ve got Phil Mickelson, Robert Allenby, Webb Simpson, Vijay Singh, Bubba Watson, and our golf pro emeritus here at the Greenbrier Tom Watson.”
Woods won’t be playing at this year’s event. He is recovering from an elbow injury and is expected to rest ahead of the British Open.
The Greenbrier Classic, which started in 2010, has two factors that set it apart from other PGA events, Ortel said during an interview Tuesday on MetroNews “Talkline.” One is the Greenbrier Classic Concert series, which features Aerosmith and Kenny Chesney next week. Although other events stage concerts during the week, Ortel said the Greenbrier took it to another level.
“It provides a different opportunity to a spectator to experience not only the golf, but world-class entertainment as well,” he said.
The second unique aspect is the Greenbrier resort itself. Most PGA venues are situated in a position where golfers stay off-property. Here, they’re literally sleeping on the golf course.
“Here, with the family atmosphere and all the amenities they can wake up, have breakfast, and walk down to the golf course,” Ortel said. “That’s something that’s unique.”
The tournament runs July 1-7 at the Greenbrier Resort. MetroNews will provide live programming all week including MetroNews golf show “Tee to Green” each night and MetroNews “Talkline” from 10:06-noon Monday through Friday.