For McIlroy, Tiger and more, the faraway (and refurbed) Hills may actually be greener

Southern Hills Country Club wasn't originally due to host the year's second major. A twist of rage has sent a glittering field to the most perfect venue. Now they have to tame it

Getting a feel for it: Tiger Woods smiles on the seventh green during a practice round for the PGA Championship golf tournament, Wednesday, May 18, 2022, in Tulsa, Okla. Pic: AP Photo/Matt York

Until January 6 of last year, this week’s PGA Championship was scheduled to be played in Bedminster, New Jersey. Perhaps the only good thing to come out of a violent insurrection was the subsequent change of venue to Southern Hills Country Club.

There may be no course more ready to serve as a late substitute for the season’s second major championship than this southwestern Perry Maxwell jewel that in 2019 underwent a hallowed upgrade at the hands of skilled architect Gil Hanse.