by LARRY HALL
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina – Recently, I received an invitation to attend the Truist PGA Tour tournament at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, North Carolina. This year marked the tournament’s first appearance at the famed course, and my assignment was to cover the Wednesday Pro-Am and share the experience.
For golf fans, the phrase “Pro-Am” needs no explanation. For everyone else, it stands for Professional-Amateur, a special event held before a professional tournament where amateur golfers get the rare chance to tee it up alongside touring pros.
In simple terms, Joe Sixpack gets to spend 18 holes living the dream of every golfer’s fantasy.
Now, before images of Rodney Dangerfield as Al Czervik from Caddyshack start dancing through your head, most amateurs fortunate enough to play in these events are respectful, appreciative, and fully aware they are stepping into a pretty exclusive world.
Typically, the amateur field consists of sponsors, business executives, local dignitaries, and a few celebrities sprinkled in to keep the gallery entertained.
I still remember the first Pro-Am I ever attended. One of the celebrity participants was Jack Nicholson.
At the first tee, Nicholson graciously signed autographs and chatted with fans. Unfortunately for Jack, his golf ball seemed to spend more time outside the ropes than inside them. Every time he wandered into the gallery searching for another wayward shot, autograph seekers swarmed him.
By the fifth hole, he was visibly frustrated. Then a teenage girl, probably 16 years old, rushed up asking for his autograph. Nicholson spun around and, in full Shining mode, barked, “Would you people leave me the hell alone? Can’t you see I’m trying to play golf here?”
That was 40 years ago, and my first and only encounter with Jack Nicholson. I’ve never forgotten it.
and Kathy Farrell, who drew professionals J.J. Spaun and Matt Wallace.
Most golf fans are familiar with the celebrity-heavy event at Pebble Beach, where professionals are paired with celebrities and corporate executives for the entire tournament. Unlike a traditional Pro-Am, those amateurs can actually compete all four rounds if they survive the cut and get to appear on weekend television coverage.
Honestly, any amateur who can walk four rounds of championship golf in front of thousands of spectators, keep their nerves intact, and still find the clubface deserves a standing ovation.
A traditional Pro-Am is a little different. These events are usually held on Monday or Wednesday of tournament week. Some tournaments host two Pro-Ams, while others skip them entirely.
Formats vary. Some use team scrambles, others count the best net score, and in many cases, the professional’s score can serve as the team score if needed.
One thing never varies: these events are expensive. While Al Czervik might not blink at the entry fee, which can run into the thousands, any bad behavior would almost certainly earn a permanent invitation not to return.
Berger.
The Truist Championship Pro-Am actually began Tuesday May 5th in evening with a Pairing Party. These gatherings allow the amateurs to mingle, enjoy some food and drinks, and discover which PGA Tour professionals they’ll be paired with for the round.
Officially, the pairings are determined by blind draw (wink)
Wednesday’s action started early, with the first tee times scheduled for 7:00 a.m. Groups teed off from both the first and tenth holes to keep things moving.
The professionals played the full tournament setup, while the amateurs received a slightly kinder version of Quail Hollow at a manageable 6,329 yards. Trust me, that was mercy.
To spread the star power around, each amateur group was assigned two professionals. One pro played the front nine with the group, while another joined them for the back nine.
The format was a modified scramble. Every player hit a tee shot, the best drive was selected, and everyone played their second shot from that location. After that, each golfer played his or her own ball into the hole.
The touring professionals, meanwhile, played their own ball from tee to green the entire day. For scoring purposes, teams could use either their best net score or the professional’s score.
The atmosphere throughout the day was upbeat and relaxed. Many of the amateurs looked like they were having the time of their lives, and honestly, who could blame them?
Besides the thrill of pretending to be PGA Tour players for a day, participants enjoyed an all-inclusive experience complete with cocktails, breakfast, lunch, and enough hors d’oeuvres to make anyone forget they still had nine holes left to play.
The morning wave winners were Doug Browne, Harold James, and Alan Merck, joined by professionals Sam Burns and Daniel Berger. Their winning score was an impressive 58.
the rest of his group.
The afternoon belonged to Paige Spiranac, Seth Curry, and Dell Curry, whose team, along with professionals Si Woo Kim and Max Homa, posted a remarkable 54.
Which, if you’re counting carefully, appears to be more than two professionals. But when your team shoots 54, nobody seems too eager to ask questions.
One of the highlights of the day was watching the professionals interact with the amateurs. Some players freely offered swing tips and putting advice, while others preferred a quieter approach. Still, every pro seemed generous with their time and more than willing to help when asked.
As enjoyable as it was watching the amateurs share laughs with PGA Tour stars, the real star of the day may have been Quail Hollow itself.
Over the years, I’ve visited many golf courses across the United States, and only two immediately come to mind as more visually stunning and meticulously maintained: Pebble Beach and Augusta National.
Yes, it’s that beautiful.
Johnny Harris and the Quail Hollow team have created a spectacular golf course worthy of hosting a PGA Tour event every single year.
If I had to describe Quail Hollow in one sentence, I’d say this: It’s Augusta National with big houses and big oak trees.
For golf fans considering a PGA Tour tournament trip next season, and who may not have tickets to The Masters or The Players, the Truist Championship at Quail Hollow should be at the top of the list.
(Larry Hall, a Jacksonville, Florida-based golf writer, is a member of Golf Heritage Society, Golf Writers Association of America, Historical Writers of America, International Network of Golf and Golf Travel Writers of America. He can be reached at: bgtriptips@gmail.com)
(PHOTO – Katherine Hall)
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