PGA MONDAY: Frost concerns growing, first look at Oak Hill, and list of WDs grows

Let’s talk about the PGA Championship.

Beginning Tuesday we will be on-site for the PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club. Weather is surely going to be a factor. The short-term concern is frost. Wednesday and Thursday feature morning temperatures in the 30s. By the time the weekend arrives it’ll be rain chances, which will increase as the weekend progresses.

At this point, the biggest threat to anything other than a borderline uncomfortable Wednesday practice round for any player who chooses to head out is a delayed start for round one.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the forecast from the PGA Championship’s on-site forecaster Stewart Williams:

The golf course is in spectacular condition.

Changes to the golf course from 2013 are noticeable. For one, there are a lot fewer trees lining fairways. Perhaps the most interesting observation from Monday is that the rough is not as long as one would have expected if the team wanted to really punish players. It’s plenty thick, but not as long as it could be.

The course is playing a touch under 7,400 yards this week, which given the above information means aggressive play will be a risk-reward assessment.

The green complexes are spectacular and challenging. The hallmark rolling mounds surrounding these complexes will make things interesting. My assumption is that players will be working overtime to avoid some troublesome up-and-downs as the tournament progresses.

What else is going on around Oak Hill?

John Daly has officially withdrawn from the PGA Championship. That means Stephan Jaeger is in the field. Jason Dufner and Martin Kaymer have also withdrawn.

Jordan Spieth is reportedly in Rochester. He arrived Monday night with plans to evaluate his wrist injury, and at least begin the process of preparing to play. He hasn’t actually withdrawn, but we might get more insight into that on Tuesday.

We have a look at Justin Thomas’ press conference on Monday, too. Check that out by clicking here.

Josh Durso( Vice President of Content )

Josh is the president and publisher of FingerLakes1.com. Have a question? Send them to [email protected].