At various points during its first 33 years as an LPGA venue, the question of whether Locust Hill Country Club is worthy of hosting a major championship has been asked, but never answered.
That is until this week.
At long last we will find out whether the picturesque layout is up to the task of hosting a major when the LPGA Championship presented by Wegmans is contested there. And if pre-tournament predictions mean anything, the answer will be a resounding yes.
“You look at what the requirements are for a major — you have to drive it well and putt it well, and that golf course demands both,” said veteran Meg Mallon, who won the 2000 Wegmans LPGA at Locust Hill. “The condition they will get that course in, it will be more than ready.”
In preparation for the LPGA Championship, Locust Hill greens superintendent Rick Slattery met with LPGA officials in March and mapped out a plan to toughen the course.