Lexington Golf Club (pictured above) closed on June 1 to convert the greens to Champion Bermuda grass. The course is expected to reopen in early August, according to director of golf Dylan Dawson. Lexington is using a “no till” process that simple kills the existing turf and plants the new grass. Prior to the closure, multiple applications of herbicide were applied to prepare for the change. The pro shop and Common on the Greens event center will remain open during the transition.
The course, owned and operated by the City of Lexington, was built in 1938 by former Carolinas PGA president Dugan Aycock. The hilly, par-71 course, known for good conditions and playability, measures 6,116 yards from the back tees.
Gibson takes over at High Meadows
Tommy Gibson, one of the Triad’s top players, started in April as director of golf at High Meadows Country Club in Roaring Gap. Gibson, a former Carolinas PGA Section champion and Mount Airy resident, had worked as an assistant at Old Town Club since 2016.
He played at the PGA Professional Championship in late April at Fields Ranch at PGA Frisco outside Dallas, though he missed the cut. High Meadows was designed by George Cobb, whose other designs include Quail Hollow Club and the par-3 course at Augusta National. High Meadows sits across U.S. 21 from Roaring Gap Club and Olde Beau.
McIlroy wins fourth in Charlotte
Rory McIlroy continued his dominance at Quail Hollow Club, shooting 6-under-par 65 in the final round May 12 to win his fourth Wells Fargo Championship by five strokes over eventual PGA Championship winner Xander Schauffle.
McIlroy, who came back from a five-shot deficit to Schauffle over the final 18 holes, finished at 17-under-par 267 despite a double-bogey on the 72nd hole.
McIlroy broke away with an eagle at No. 10 after birdies at Nos. 8 and 9 then birdied 13 and 14 before chipping in for eagle at 15. He was 8-under during the 8-hole spree, which made the closing double-bogey no problem.
“I birdied 9 and then I just went on a run that for whatever reason I’m able to go on at this golf course,” McIlroy said. “Quail Hollow, Charlotte in general, has been really good to me over my career and this is just another great day to sort of add to all the rest of them.”
The tournament was the last with Wells Fargo as the title sponsor despite reports that Wells Fargo offered more than $20 million to keep its title sponsorship. As one of the PGA Tour’s “signature” events, the tournament offers a $20 million purse.
Myrtle Beach Classic draws big crowd
Chris Gotterup won the inaugural Myrtle Beach Classic played opposite the Wells Championship at The Dunes Golf and Beach Club.
The 24-year-old Gotterup cruised to a 6-stroke victory at 22-under 262. Alistair Docherty and Davis Thompson tied for second. Blades Brown, a 16-year-old high school sophomore from Nashville, Tennessee, tied for 26th at 10-under.
Gotterup won $720,000 from the $3.9 million purse. The Dunes Club played host to the Senior Tour Championship in 1994-1998. The Myrtle Beach Classic began a 4-year contract.
The third round on Saturday had announced attendance of 15,281.
“We are truly thrilled and humbled by Saturday’s attendance figures at the Myrtle Beach Classic,” Karen Riordan, president and CEO of Visit Myrtle Beach, said in a statement. “But we know that golfers, fans and families love the beach, and this our time to shine as The Golf Capital of the World.”
