For PGA golfers, Greenbrier Classic has the right stuff

When hundreds gather around the tee boxes to watch more than 150 golfers drive The Greenbrier’s famed Old White course, they’re seeing a quality field. The last five FedEx Cup champions are playing. Tiger Woods won the Cupin 2007 and 2009. The top-ranked golfer said it’s his first trip to West Virginia and he has high expectations.

“This tournament since its inception has been absolutely incredible. I knew about the history of it from Sam Snead and how much he loved coming here and loved being here,” Woods said.

“He was a representative of the club for a number of years. I knew all that, but I think that what sold it to me is just watching it on TV and then seeing how much the players really enjoyed it. I wanted to play it last year, it fit in my schedule, but I was hurt. I didn't play anything that summer, so that was disappointing.  But this year again it worked out perfectly.”

Sam Snead was the resort’s Pro Emeritus until his death in 2002. In 2005, World Golf Hall of Famer Tom Watson took over Pro Emeritus status. Watson said the Greenbrier Classic is growing because of hospitality of the Mountain State.

“It's the most special tournament on the Tour as far as how they treat you. You give the credit to Jim's vision. Mr. Justice's vision has been this way from the very get-go. He wanted a tournament, PGA tournament.”

Jimmy Walker has played in the tournament every year since its inception.

“The hotel has been awesome,” Walker said. “I think it's really grown in the eyes of the players. I think you can tell by the field this year.  It's gained some notoriety. The town's great. The hotel is amazing. Food is second to none. The service and all the fans and volunteers are great here and I felt at home here.”

Scott Stallings won the tournament last year. Stallings said the area and the tournament provides a change of pace that’s becoming popular with the rest of the PGA.

“You get a different feel at this tournament,” Stallings said.

“It's definitely more family oriented with the concerts and the dinners, just the whole atmosphere in general. This would be an event that a lot of people put on their schedule every single year just so they can bring their family, just a lot more to do than just play a golf tournament, just the atmosphere provides itself for that. You run around family dining and you feel like you're in daycare with all the families and all the kids.”

Greenbrier owner Jim Justice announced earlier this week that the Greenbrier Classic’s affiliation with the PGA would be extended through 2021.