The Unsung Heroes Of The PGA Championship

Thursday, August 9th 2007, 5:30 pm

By: News On 6

Big crowds were at Southern Hills, cheering on their favorite players and also following them from hole to hole, but the unsung heroes are not pro golfers. News On 6 anchor Omar Villafranca reports they know every hill on the fairway, every slope of the green, not from playing the course but from keeping it in top shape.

The grounds crew stays busy before, during and after tournament play. The chores include watering the greens and fairways, mowing every inch of green space and fixing every divot. The process started months ago, before any pro teed off for the tournament.

"Every blade of grass on our fairways is new, and itâ€™s a strain of Bermuda grass that greens early, stays green longer," said tournament chairman Al Bush.

Thousands of fans will trample all over the course, following players, turning the lush, green grass, a dingy yellow.

"There are cross over places that are planned. Hopefully, they'll be using those only," Bush said.

Some fans will stray off the marked paths, but thanks to the TLC provided by the grounds crew, the grass won't die.

"It's being tested. I predict it comes back really well," said Bush.

The grass is so strong, club members expect the course back in pristine shape in two weeks.

Watch the video: Grounds Crews Brave The Heat To Keep Southern Hills Green

For more on the 89th PGA Championship, click here.