It's been seven years since Kiawah Island Golf Resort learned it would host the 2012 PGA Championship and more than three years since championship director Brett Sterba set up shop to begin putting the physical pieces together at the Ocean Course.
On Monday, it all comes to life.
"After all the years of waiting for this, for it to be here next week is exciting," resort president Roger Warren said. "The major stuff is done. We're just putting the finishing touches on things now. We'll be ready."
Each PGA Championship has its logistical challenges and this one is no exception.
Ticket sales were limited so that no more than 30,000 people will be on site during tournament rounds. With no public parking within the resort and very limited roads leading into Kiawah Island, the traffic plan received high priority and officials are optimistic it will limit congestion near the resort.
The Ocean Course is a dramatic setting, framed by the Atlantic Ocean. It has challenging spots for spectators to walk among the dunes that line most holes but special viewing areas have been created with large gathering spots for fans.
Warren said officials anticipate 10,000 fans for practice rounds Monday, 15,000 on Tuesday and around 20,000 on Wednesday. Somewhere between 25,000 and 30,000 are expected each day beginning Thursday.
"The thing I'm looking forward to is the reaction of people when they arrive at the course and see the scope of the effort that has been put forth," Warren said.
1 comments:
I'll be there! Can't wait!
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