Weather this weeks appears to be rain on and off. here is link to local paper there that has some info. here is one article from there
4-24-02
By TIM PEELER, Staff Writer
News & Record
GREENSBORO -- Last year, Forest Oaks Country Club didn't scare off many PGA Tour pros with its thin, short rough. It was far different than the deep setup the players expect when they come here for the Greater Greensboro Chrysler Classic.
"It's mindless," a one-time regular said of last year's short grass.
Another tour veteran, Scott Verplank, opted not to play in this year's GGCC because of the conditions of the course last year.
There should be fewer complaints about the areas off the fairways this year, though. A warm spring helped return the deep rough that many players count on when they come to Greensboro.
"The rough is higher this year, but the golf course is magnificent," said Greensboro's Lee Porter. "Last year, it was one of the best-conditioned courses on tour. This year, it is the same thing, but the rough is thicker and it is going to be more of a factor."
That's just how certain players on tour -- those known more for accuracy than distance -- like it. They make their money by hitting the ball straight and staying out of trouble, instead of hitting it a long way.
"The tendency nowadays is to have softer fairways and shorter rough," said 1997 GGCC champion Frank Nobilo. "That's not really rewarding good drivers of the golf ball. Someone who hits it long and straight should be rewarded.
"Having a high rough here does that. It gets it back to a more traditional style of golf, which is actually quite exciting."
HOG HEAVEN: For the fifth consecutive year, North Carolina native Neal Lancaster treated volunteers, caddies and equipment representatives to an old-style eastern North Carolina pig-picking on the driving range at Forest Oaks on Tuesday afternoon.
"We don't usually do much for those guys, and I just want to let them know that they are appreciated," Lancaster said.
Lancaster gets the White Swan Bar-B-Q Restaurant in his hometown of Smithfield in Johnston County to donate the barbecue dinner to a golf tournament he holds each year to benefit Johnston County Community College. Then the veteran PGA player bids the $700 or $800 necessary to win the catered meal, which he uses for his annual Tuesday luncheon at the GGCC.
"I do it mainly as a missionary project," said Linwood Parker, owner of White Swan. "The Piedmont and the middle part of the state doesn't have any decent barbecue, so I also try to do my part to bring them some."
It's a traditional whole-pig barbecue, without a few of the essentials, since the lunch must remain a non-alcoholic affair.
"They won't really let us bring any kegs out on the driving range," Lancaster said.
HELP FOR HOCH: Put Raleigh's Scott Hoch at the top of the list of PGA Tour players who might need a good sports psychologist. The veteran player, known for his outspoken comments and opinions, has visited famed sports-mind guru Bob Rotella for help. Once.
"I went to (Rotella) and I think I messed him up," Hoch said.
FIELD UPDATE: Several players have withdrawn from the 156-player field, including past champion Mark Brooks, Per-Ulrik Johannsen, Greg Kraft, Shigeki Maruyama, Brent Schwarzrock and Brian Watts.
That opens spots for alternates David Morland IV, Sandy Lyle, Mike Hulbert, Mike Heinen, Jim McGovern and Robert Gamez. Lyle is a two-time champion, winning in 1986 and '88.
Former N.C. State golfer Mark Slawter was among four players who earned their way into the field Monday during a qualifying tournament at Stoney Creek. He joins former tour player Sean Murphy, Andy Crain of Goldsboro and Cameron Yancey as the open qualifiers.
Oops forgot link
http://www.news-record.com/sports/golf/main.shtml
