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<\/p>\nSince shifting from its traditional August slot in 2019, debate has lingered around whether the PGA Championship has lost part of its identity amid the crowded modern golf calendar. But Clark believes the championship has carved out a unique and valuable window in the sport.<\/p>\n
\u201cI really think we\u2019ve got a strong position in May,\u201d Clark said during his pre-tournament press conference.<\/p>\n
\u201cCertainly, I\u2019m always going to look at what could make us better, but not actively looking at should we look and move this to later or back to August.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think we have a great slot. I think we can stand out in a window of it\u2019s nice when you get the monthlies around the majors. I really believe that there\u2019s a unique spot that we sit.\u201d<\/p>\n
Clark acknowledged that some traditionalists still associate the championship with its former August identity, but suggested the event\u2019s standing extends beyond its calendar date.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome people really believe, gosh, you had an identity tied to August, and that\u2019s different,\u201d Clark said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, I actually think your identity is tied more than to just time.\u201d<\/p>\n
That identity, according to Clark and PGA Chief Championships Officer Kerry Haigh, centres on the PGA Championship\u2019s reputation for presenting the strongest field in golf on a rotating collection of vastly different venues.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis year, we\u2019ve had 97 of the top 100 players in the world,\u201d Haigh said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s something that I think is something to be very proud of and certainly identifies us among any championship in golf.\u201d<\/p>\n
Haigh also pointed to the practical benefits of the move to May, particularly after years of extreme summer weather and scheduling clashes with the Olympics and FedEx Cup Playoffs.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
PGA of America Chief Championships Officer Kerry Haigh with PGA of America Chief Executive Officer Terry Clark during the PGA Championship News Conference at Aronimink Golf Club on Wednesday. PHOTO: Getty Images.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor August, we had 100-degree days and storms and rain delays,\u201d Haigh said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think we had eight out of 11 years we had lightning delays.\u201d<\/p>\n
By contrast, the PGA believes the May window offers a more spectator-friendly experience while still producing elite championship conditions, something Aronimink has showcased this week.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think this week speaks for itself, how incredibly good the golf course can be and how healthy the grass is at this time of year,\u201d Haigh said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s certainly a lot more temperate, a lot more enjoyable for spectators and the experience for everyone involved.\u201d<\/p>\n
The conversation around the PGA Championship\u2019s future comes amid broader changes across the professional game, with Clark stressing the organisation remains focused on strengthening both its championships and its role within golf globally.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe think there is significant opportunity ahead to continue elevating these championships, from fan experience to storytelling to partnerships and how we position these events globally,\u201d Clark said.<\/p>\n
That broader vision also includes continued investment into the Ryder Cup following criticism surrounding last year\u2019s event at Bethpage Black.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are some areas of the Ryder Cup that are clear we\u2019ve got to get better at,\u201d Clark admitted.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut I feel very confident that the PGA of America has the ability to take these crown jewel assets, these really, really meaningful assets in the world of golf and continue to make them better.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n \u00a9 Golf Australia. All rights reserved.
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