When the PGA Championship blasts off the first tee Thursday at Southern Hills Country Club, the television and streaming cameras will be sure to focus on the great view downhill to the opening fairway and the long views of downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Coverage may also show a rarity that makes that first shot at Southern Hills special: The opening hole features a back tee box that is certainly among the closest tees to a clubhouse found anywhere. The design almost makes golfers feel as if they are teeing off from the clubhouse patio.
How close is it? During normal member play, you can almost hear the cash register in the pro shop and feel the air conditioning when the doors to the shop are opened. It’s not more than 10 steps from the pro shop door, across a small wall adorned with shrubs and flowers.
