ROGERS - TPC Sawgrass has the par-3 island green at 17, where shots either hit the green or land in the water. TPC Scottsdale has the par-3 16th hole, known for its crazy loud crowd that greets group after group at the Phoenix Open.
Not every course has a hole where fans are encouraged to congregate, but this weekend fans at the LPGA Wal-Mart Northwest Arkansas Championship are doing their part to put No. 17 at Pinnacle Country Club on the map.
The 17th hole has always been a favorite among fans and players at the Northwest Arkansas Championship, but this year tournament officials made extra efforts to help promote the hole as one of the loudest in golf.
Along with the usual party deck built around the hole in past years, a Wal-Mart sponsor tent and the Ball Park Fan Pavilion have been constructed around the green to form a stadium-style setting that allows fans to create more noise than anywhere else on the course.
And, in Stacy Lewis’ case, more Hog calls.
Lewis, the No. 2-ranked player in the world and a former Arkansas All-American, was serenaded with “Woo, Pig Sooie” calls the first time she played in the tournament back in 2007, and most of those calls came from the 17th green.
This weekend she is hearing Hog calls like never before, particularly at No. 17.
“Coming up 14 and 15, I knew they were coming and Iwanted to be playing well going into that hole,” Lewis said after Friday’s opening round. “They did a pretty good one. I love it.”
The 17th hole was moved up to play approximately 140 yards this weekend, which allows for more birdie opportunities. With more birdie opportunities, the tournament is counting on more noise from the crowd.
“From what I understand, they want to create more of a buzz around that green,” said Suzann Pettersen, the No. 3-ranked player in the world. “You’ll probably see someone hitting it a little bit closer than maybe it has been in previous years, and you’ll probably see a few new pin positions.
“So, I think it’s going to be exciting for the crowd and hopefully we can put on a show.”
Bill Blanchard retired from Michigan to Hot Springs Village seven years ago. Since 2008, he’s been making the trip to Rogers for the Northwest Arkansas Championship on a regular basis. A stop by the 17th hole has been a must for Blanchard and his entourage for the past few years.
“I think it’s good to have a hole like this in the golf tournament. It’s good for golf,” Blanchard said. “Golf is the gentleman’s game, but it’s OK to get loud from time to time.
“That’s what they want from their players on the LPGA. They want them to promote the game that way.”
Sports, Pages 29 on 06/23/2013