Mark’s Kaddy Korner

Hey all,

The caddies and players spent last week at the finest stop on tour, bar none. Since 2003 Kym Houghman and his staff have provided unique perks for everyone, and if another tournament comes up with something new, Kym tries to go one step further. There is valet parking for everyone, a lounge just outside the clubhouse doors for the caddies – we hate to leave the comforts – and a gift bag from the tournament. Kym even provides a courtesy car for the defending champion caddy. “Bucky”, Joey Sindelar’s caddy, had to get a license the year after they won so he could enjoy the pleasures. Seems he had lost his over the years for whatever reason.

John Harris and his buddies started Quail Hollow in 1959, and it has hosted the Kemper Open in the 70′s and the Senior Tour during the 80′s. The Senior Tour moved to Piper’s Glen during the 90′s but Wachovia and Tim Finchem brought the PGA Tour back to Quail Hollow in 2003. The Champions Tour was losing their sponsor, Home Depot, and Wachovia stepped in to host the tournament. For whatever reason the Seniors lost out and the PGA Tour enticed Wachovia to up the ante for a PGA Tour purse. Some disgruntled Senior Tour players were mumbling something about Finchem having a lot more interest in procuring tournaments for the flat bellies; his contract was tied into the amount of their purses.

It had something to do with Tiger and something to do with Deane Beman leaving the commissioner’s position, but during this period of time the Champions tour went on a tailspin. The schedule was depleted and the Champions Tour lost a few tournament sites to the PGA Tour.

Kym Houghman came to Quail Hollow from the John Deere Classic in the Quad Cities. He’s a people’s tournament director and spends a lot of time mixing it up with everyone. I remember years ago swapping stories, and cocktails, with Kym, Fuzzy, and J.D. while we were watching Duck Soup play their rock and roll. During weather delays I’ve noticed him fetching towels for the players and caddies; he’s a hands on director and every one appreciates his effort. Kim is always checking out new tournaments, quizzing everyone for new ideas, and wants his tournament to be the best.

It is. They have the finest course; there will be a major played here soon. Sorry Memorial, Hilton Head, Colonial but Quail Hollow has moved ahead even though it is a full field event. Your invitational’s are nice but Quail Hollow has moved in just behind the majors. There is a reason the Wachovia Championship – sorry, Quail Hollow Championship because Wachovia is a bit shy these days – is positioned before The Players Championship. In fact, I could almost argue it is better than the TPC at Sawgrass. Quail Hollow is all about the people and the tournament; the TPC is all about showing off the course and the clubhouse; it doesn’t provide quite as much for the spectators, volunteers, players, and caddies.

The tour has moved down I-95 to Ponte Vedra but I bet they are still talking about last week’s tournament. The course is memorable, challenging but fair; you won’t hear anyone bad mouth the lay out. Those last three holes are disasters waiting to happen and if you can negotiate them in even par you’ve lapped the field, but nobody complains. The Quail Hollow Championship (Wachovia Championship) is the guide post for all other tournaments.

Take care.

Mark