News-Record.com

Wednesday's No. 2 editorial.

The Wyndham Championship’s opening ceremonies won’t be held until later today, but it already seems the latest incarnation of the golf event is a winning one.

Returning the tournament to its inaugural location at the historic Sedgefield Country Club in southwest Greensboro will better brand the event with golfers. And defining it as a Piedmont Triad event will boost regionalism.

Sedgefield is all about history. Its golf course was designed in the 1920s by the legendary Donald Ross. Many golf greats have played there. Sam Snead golfed there so often he began calling it “my second home,” while Sedgefield’s Tudor-style clubhouse is a veritable museum to golfing greats.

Now with Wyndham’s return, golfers worldwide will become familiar with Sedgefield’s history. A recent, wise course renovation adds to the allure. Greensboro golf course architect Kris Spence held to Ross’ design while incorporating advances in such things as grasses to provide a course that should prove both inspirational and challenging. The course itself is a big tournament drawing card, as the Wyndham is the only PGA Tour regular season tournament played on an original Ross course. Already, Wyndham players have given it their approval.
The Wyndham also should help golf fans from other areas learn more about the region.

Tournament participants are staying at Grandover, and the Wyndham’s choice of charities also educates about the Triad: It ranges from the Pettys’ Victory Junction Gang Camp in Randleman to the civil rights museum.

The participation of Richard Petty and Arnold Palmer in the opening ceremonies also should attract attention.

Who knows? Maybe the event will one day catch the eye of Tiger Woods, and he, too, will become part of Sedgefield and Wyndham history.