PGA Championship Officials Preparing for Possible Rain & Storms

CHARLOTTE, NC – It’s one of the most prestigious sporting events ever in Charlotte.

But rain and possibly severe thunderstorms threaten every day of the PGA Championship.

“To me this is like the Super Bowl of golf, so this is really awesome,” says Clover, SC resident Jerry Gale.

After a soggy start, skies cleared as practice rounds for the PGA Championship got underway Monday.

Organizers say they’re prepared for whatever weather comes their way.

“As with any job that deals with mother nature, you just kinda roll with the punches,” explains Golf Course Superintendent Keith Wood.

He says the course can easily handle a couple hours of rain.

“We spend months, and even years conditioning the golf course, the way we build golf courses, we have drainage in mind from the get go,” Wood says.

The PGA also has a Meteorologist on hand constantly tracking storms.

“If we have lightning, all bets are off. We’re done playing, everybody’s got to go in, patrons gotta leave, it’s all about safety if we get lighting,” Wood says.

The PGA plans to warn spectators about bad weather with signs around the course and text alerts.

“Just hope the rain holds off. I mean it’s gonna be humid, we’re in the south. But it’s gonna be hot, but we’re used to it.” says Weddington, NC resident Max Schumacher.

Schumacher says he’s happy to be here no matter how the weather ends up.

“I’m just excited that a major championship is here. Just ready for a good week of golf,” he says.