US PGA to look at course set up

The PGA Tour learned long ago that it can't please everybody. But it will at least listen to suggestions.

Some players have complained about greens so firm and fast that it gives an advantage to the long, high hitters. The complaints came even before The Players Championship, which produced the highest winning score (285) since it moved to the TPC at Sawgrass.

During the players meeting last week, a committee was appointed to study course setups. It will meet again during the MCI Classic the week after the Masters.

"The feedback we got was to make the greens harder and faster," said Davis Love III, a member of the policy board.

"Now, guys are going back the other way, saying they're too firm and fast. No matter what you do, you can't make everybody happy."

The most valid complaints about the Sawgrass was the combination of rock-hard greens that wouldn't even hold a wedge, and 4-inch rough around the green that made it almost impossible to get the ball close.

The best suggestion came from the winner, David Duval. He says if the greens are going to be like concrete, make sure the rough is shaved around them so players can use some skill trying to get up and down.

"Let us at least try to play from around the green," he said.

TRW