Why the 2022 Presidents Cup featured a radical, one-time-only golf course redesign
In short: When the Presidents Cup arrived at Quail Hollow in 2022, spectators witnessed a layout never seen before. To ensure the tournament's most iconic holes were played more frequently, organizers completely rerouted the course. This strategic shift fundamentally changed how the world's top golfers navigated the historic North Carolina venue during the competition.
The 14th edition of the Presidents Cup, held from September 22 to 25, 2022, marked a significant departure from standard professional golf setups. Originally slated for 2021, the event was postponed by one year due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. When it finally took place at the Quail Hollow Club, organizers implemented a unique, temporary course configuration designed to showcase the venue's famous closing stretch, known as the Green Mile.
Typically, the Green Mile consists of holes 16, 17, and 18. To maximize the likelihood that matches would reach this challenging sequence, the course was reordered. Players jumped from the eighth hole directly to the twelfth, effectively moving the Green Mile to the 12th through 15th positions. Consequently, the round concluded with holes 10, 11, and 9. This experimental routing was exclusive to the 2022 tournament, prioritizing high-stakes drama over traditional course flow.
Team selection also faced unique pressures. The United States squad, captained by Davis Love III, relied on a points-based system spanning from the 2019 A Military Tribute at the Greenbrier to the 2022 BMW Championship. Meanwhile, the International Team, led by Trevor Immelman, had to adjust its roster after top-ranked players Cameron Smith and Joaquín Niemann were excluded for joining LIV Golf. Their absence forced the International side to rely on additional captain's picks to fill their ranks. Despite these logistical hurdles and the unconventional course layout, the United States team successfully defended their title, retaining the cup in a display of sustained dominance.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: 2022 Presidents Cup
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