PORTLAND - The fairways and greens may be kind this week at the Cambia Portland Classic, but players who find themselves wayward of the large landing areas will pay a price.
“The fairways are generous, the greens are generous, so I think if they can roll in putts that’s going to be hugely helpful,” said LPGA Manager of Rules and Competition Annie Giangrosso.”The grass, the rough, can get thick in spots so if they do miss a fairway I think that will be the most penalizing.”
The rough will be two and a half to three inches in length this week on the Macan Course at Columbia Edgewater Country Club, tournament host for the 29th time in the event’s history. The course will play to 6,476 yards and a par 72 during the tournament. Giangrosso says players can expect to see some changes throughout the course with the addition of alternate tees, particularly at the par 5, fifth and par 4, sixth holes.
“Five is a par 5, from the back tee box it’s a stretch for a lot of players to get there. We’re hoping with this other tee box, it’s up another maybe 15 yards or so, it kind of gives them a chance if they want to sling it around the dogleg and maybe try and get a little bit more roll and entice them to go for it,” said Giangrosso. “Similar to last year we’ll go to another tee box on six as well. Our normal tee box sets up high and there’s one that’s down low on the left we’ll also use.”
From the additional tee box at the sixth hole, players won’t see much of a change in length but more of a different angle into the hole.
Despite record high temperatures in the Portland area, Giangrosso says the course is in great condition thanks to the hard work from the superintendent and grounds crew.
“For the most part the tournament is in really, really good shape,” Giangrosso said. “There’s some spots out there where you can tell heat has taken its toll a little bit but nothing too concerning.”
Players tend to get hot on this course, the winning score the score the past three years is a total of 47-under par.
“I think for players, it just fits a lot of their eye,” said Giangrosso. “The generosity of the fairways and greens, and the greens run smooth, really smooth. So if they can get the ball starting online they can see it tracking to the hole. I’m sure it’ll be another good week.”
Austin Ernst defends her title this week after defeating I.K. Kim in a playoff last year when the two tied at 14-under par after 72 holes.
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