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‘Most Of The Time I’d Agree But Not This Instance’: PGA Tour Pro Defends The Players Course After Fans Target It For Softer Conditions

Kunal Singh
Published

Michael Kim

PGA Tour pro Michael Kim has come out in support of The Players Championship host Stadium course at TPC Sawgrass. After the first round of the prestigious flagship tournament, Pete Dye’s designed course saw fans criticizing it for its soft and gentle play. The opening round saw multiple low scores from players which forced the fans to question its friendly setup.

The Florida-based golf course is historically known for its faster playing conditions which forces the players to be more accurate and precise while driving and deciding a shot. But as the tournament has shifted to March from its previous schedule in May, the conditions are not that wet and there is a lack of firmness on the course.

PGA Tour Pro Michael Kim Backs The Players Championship Course On Social Media

After the end of Thursday’s play, multiple fans jumped into X (formerly Twitter) to criticize TPC Sawgrass’s easier playing conditions. One of the users criticized the 17th hole for being lenient with the approach. The same hole saw Ryan Fox record a historic feat at The Players Championship. Also, multiple golfers were quite fortunate to land on rough or green.

PGA Tour pro Michael Kim immediately entered the comment section of the X user and defended the Florida course. He wrote,

“Most of the time I’d agree but not this instance. Greens are too soft and fast and that bank is too steep plus wind in the face.”


Further on, another X user questioned the usage of the drop zone on the 17th hole. This hole is historically known to test the golfer’s skillset as most of the time he would sink the ball into the water. However, Michael Kim had a different opinion. He stated that there are high chances of landing the ball into the rough or closer to the hole than hitting it inside the water.


The controversy regarding the benign play at The Players Championship course started after Adam Scott found himself safe on the 12th hole, all thanks to the thick round beside the greens that held the ball from falling into the water.

Well, the course design and play do not quite matter a lot as the tournament is already underway. Even if it gets low scoring throughout the four days play, only the best player will lift the prestigious title on Sunday.

About the author

Kunal Singh

Kunal Singh

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Kunal is a golf journalist for The SportsRush. He is an avid golf fan with a huge inclination towards Rory McIlroy's drive and Phil Mickelson's short game. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and is currently pursuing a MBA in Media Management. Before joining The SportsRush, he has already penned over 1300 articles. If not covering stories on golf, you can find him brainstorming various fiction stories, composing music, and playing snooker.

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