Carl -
(Given your guidelines, I'm happy to participate here.)
Assuming you're in the area, do you expect the field quality will be impacted? Is the any concern that the date (right before Sawgrass) will get changed without a big-name backer?
Or will the quality of the course continue to keep things generally status quo?
Jason
I live in Charlotte and have attended at least one day of the tournament for most, if not all, of the years it's been here. However, that gives me no leg up on what might happen. As most of you know, its been an exceptionally well run tournament on a course the pros seem to like. Obviously, it's been a boon for golf fans in the area.
From the Charlotte Observer article:
“'All of us involved with the tournament have enjoyed the last six years and are looking forward to doing something very special with the tournament over the next six years,' Quail Hollow Club president Johnny Harris said.
“'We have been working diligently to do what is necessary to produce the premier stop on the PGA Tour and we feel strongly this will do nothing but strengthen the golf experience for our players and patrons.'”
I can predict that if Johnny Harris continues to back the tournament, it will not fail for lack of effort.
Also from the article:
"The main difference for players and spectators will be the name. The re-branding of the event has begun and, other than tickets and a few other printed materials, everything from clothing to signage will sport the new logo and name when the PGA Tour arrives in two months. 'This clarifies a lot for us,' [Kym] Hougham [,Tournament Director,] said. 'Now there is a name that can stay on the tournament for the next six years. We’ll work with the bank after this year’s event and we hope they stay involved.'"
Like Greg, I don't think the new name does as much for the community as other options might have. Initially I assumed that the Quail Hollow name would be temporary, but Hougham points to the next six years. He adds, "We'll work with the bank [Wells Fargo] after this year's event and we hope they stay involved." This leads me to wonder whether, notwithstanding Wells taking it contract obligations seriously, they won't be trying to bail out short of the full six-year term remaining.