PGA Wells Fargo Championship

Eric Cole cashes a top 5 to give us a positive week.

Up next we have the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow.

156 players are set to tackle Quail Hollow, a massive course with 61 bunkers and challenging par 3s and par 4s. The targets are not small, averaging 6,578 square feet, but are far away from the players, with nine of the 11 par 4s being over 450 yards. The course is only 16 yards shorter than Augusta National and has one less par 5.

Seven of the top 10 in the SIWGR and six of the top 10 in the OWGR are vying for a spot in the top 65 and a share of the $20 million purse, with $3.6 million going to the winner. The course has already hosted the Presidents Cup, and despite receiving 2.66 inches of rain on Friday, conditions are good with mild winds and temperatures in the 70s.

Winning at Quail Hollow requires strong putting, with the average final strokes-gained edge being over six strokes. The second most important stat is off the tee, as the course is longer than the Tour average. Iron play is also important, but the range to the target makes it difficult for players to differentiate themselves. Around the green gains have not been significant for contenders.

With a winning score of 13 under par over the last 10 editions of the Wells Fargo, par-4 scoring is crucial for staying in contention on Sunday afternoon. The course stretches over 5.2 miles and the signature stretch is the Green Mile, but the entire course requires skill and strategy to conquer.

To Win