Players lash out at venue the Cog Hill Golf Club before the BMW Championship
The FedExCup Playoffs Championship is on the roll for the moment and as much as the players have enjoyed battling for the top slots in the earlier events, they are not as happier about the venue of this week’s event, the Cog Hill Golf and Country Club located
in the suburbs of Chicago.
The third leg of the event, the BMW Championship which was played here last year left many questions unanswered as the course was probably in its worst shape ever. The dry and hot summers the previous year had rendered many of the greens dry and harsh while
the lack of rain have left the fairways and roughs far below the standard that is required.
Following hefty multi-million dollar renovation by Rees Jones in 2008, the course was redesigned to make it tougher and more difficult in order to lure in the coveted US Open title at the venue. Cog Hill owner Frank Jemsek not only failed in his attempt
to attract the USGA to his renovated sprawling venue but will now be giving up the BMW Championship as well. The FedExCup officials have not confirmed for the next year’s event and the third leg of the championship is likely to move to some other area next
year.
The toughening of the course has turned an otherwise normal event into a gruesome affair were players will have to tackle the raised greens and deepened bunkers and the pointed ridges. Steve Stricker, the top ranking American did not mince words in his criticism
against the course.
"I'm disappointed what has transpired there, the redo is just not conducive to our tournament there. It's a little severe. It's tough; it's playable, but it's just a little tricked up and goofy in spots. The players just don't like it. They liked it before,
to some extent, and the redo is just not good, sorry to say," he said.
Phil Mickelson, the heartthrob of the local audience also came out lashing at the course preparation although his legendary dislike for the Rees Jones design was more than evident in his harsh comments.
"I know we all wish it had turned out differently," Mickelson said. "But there was a lot of other guys to choose from that probably could do the job, and maybe if they just start over, it could turn into something special."
Geoff Ogilvy, the shining Aussie flag bearer was more sarcastic in his remarks rather than blunt. He managed to pull in a last-hole-birdie to be able to stay in the Top 70 at the Deutsche Bank Championship and cheekily remarked, "I get rewarded with a trip
to Cog Hill."
Top 30 players from the BMW Championship will move to the next and final stage of the championship the Tour Championship presented by Coca Cola for a colossal $10-million first prize.
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