How Are The Nelson & Colonial Affected By The PGA Championship Move To May

It appears the PGA of America has agreed to move their championship from August to May in 2019.

The PGA of America is moving its major championship to May for the first time in 70 years when it goes to Bethpage Black on New York’s Long Island in 2019 as part of a long-term plan that involves a major shift in the golf calendar, including The Players Championship going back to its March date, The Associated Press has learned.

On the surface, the move looks like a positive scenario for the sport.

• The pro golf season theoretically ends before the NFL and NCAA football seasons crank up. Golf was in a losing battle with the pigskins and ending the FedEx Cup playoffs before say Labor Day is a big improvement. Plus, it shortens the season to give everyone a break rather than go full-tilt all year and ending in comparative anonymity.
• Moving the Players Championship from May back to March is also a good move. The weather and TPC Sawgrass conditions are better for the event and gives the Tour season a big tournament every month beginning in March and ending with the British Open in July.
• The PGA Championship no longer is a weak afterthought in the blazing heat of August.

The downside is more North Texas biased I believe than affecting national interest.

• One of the first questions was how much the PGA’s May major will hurt the Nelson and Colonial events’ field. In all honesty, our local events have been affected for quite a while already due to the schedule (and big Euro events the same weeks). The May Players siphoned off some of the marquee names before our Texas Two-Step while The Memorial hurt on the back end.
• Of course, that could change depending how well the Nelson’s new Trinity Forest GC venue lures the pros after the initial curiosity.
• Secondary events after the majors and WGC stops have had uphill battles to stay top of mind. The more creative events (i.e Phoenix’ Waste Management) have carved out a nice niche. To woo the stars, event sponsors will need to keep their presentations fresh enough for the best to pencil them into their schedules.
• Venue-wise, one official said two traditional sites — Whistling Straits in Wisconsin and Hazeltine in Minnesota — would not be able to host the PGA Championship in May. Officials feel comfortable with the weather and agronomy for Bethpage Black, and they are hopeful for good weather in 2023 for Oak Hill in Rochester, New York.

Our local stops have two years to ramp up. Any ideas are certainly welcome.