The PGA Tour moves to the mountains of West Virginia this week for the Greenbrier Classic. Jimmy Walker, Bubba Watson, Chris Kirk, Patrick Reed, Brendon Todd, Kevin Na, Webb Simpson, Keegan Bradley and Gary Woodland headline the field.
The Greenbrier Classic has been held since 2010. The list of winners includes, Stuart Appleby, Scott Stallings, Ted Potter Jr. and Jonas Blixt.
The tournament is played on the Old White course at the Greenbrier Resort. It is a par-70 and plays to just over 7,000 yards. It has yielded some very low scoring in the past.
Appleby’s victory included a 59 in the final round for his come-from-behind win in the inaugural Greenbrier Classic in 2010.
Sam Snead was the Golf Professional Emeritus for the Greenbrier Resort for many years. Since his passing, Tom Watson was named to that honor in 2005 and plays host this week.
It was just announced by The R&A that Watson would be given a special exemption into the field for the 2015 Open Championship to be held at St. Andrews. It will be the swan song for the 64-year-old who won five Open Championships in his illustrious career.
You can read more about The R&A’s announcement at eDraft.com, The R&A Have Done The Right Thing In Extending Tom Watson’s Open Career.
As you can see the with the timing of the tournament after the U.S. Open and two weeks prior to the Open Championship, which kicks off the push to the FedEx Cup Playoffs, many of the big names take time off.
The Greenbrier Classic becomes an opportunity for lesser-known players to collect a high finish and earn much needed prize money.
The week also includes a myriad of off-the-course activities that are available at the historic resort. Hike mountain trails, fish for trout, shoot skeet or take a jeep ride deep into the surrounding terrain all beckon the golfers when they are not on the course or the practice range.
With three wins this season, Jimmy Walker is looking to extend his lead in the FedEx Cup standings.
No. 2 in the FedEx Cup, Bubba Watson is always a fan favorite and fun to watch. His artistry with a golf club is unparalleled and golf fans always dig the long ball.
Speaking of long ball Gary Woodland can also move it off the tee. He has four top-10 finishes this season and is ranked No. 25 in the FedEx Cup race with just over $2 million in earnings.
Look for a lesser-known or young player to get a shot at a win this week.
Whoever comes away with the win, the Greenbrier Classic always offers excitement and beautiful surroundings in the West Virginia mountains.