Jack Nicklaus defended the course set-up at PGA National following a few player grumbles after Jake Knapp carded a 59.
On Thursday, Knapp became 15th golfer in PGA Tour history to card a sub-60 round at the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches.
He did so after tournament officials decided to overseed the Bermuda grass with Ryegrass to soften things up.
The decision led to a low-scoring affair. In the past, the annual Tour stop has become known for a test not too dissimilar to a U.S. Open.
Billy Horschel was among the Tour pros to complain, describing the decision as ‘disappointing’.
But Nicklaus disagreed when he hopped in the Golf Channel commentary booth during the third round.
“Guys hit it further, the conditions are good, you got a benign day and guys can shoot a good score,” Nicklaus said. “That’s OK. I like that.”
He added: “If a golf course won’t yield to good golf then I don’t think it’s a very good golf course.
“Now if you have a day like we did Thursday and 3-under is the low score then I think it’s the golf courses fault.”
Jake Knapp
What did Billy Horschel say?
Horschel – who also fought off a gator in round one with a pitching wedge – applauded Knapp for his score.
But he wasn’t happy.
“He shot a 12-under par 59 at PGA National, which no one ever thought,” Horschel said.
“I know we had a discussion earlier this week and I’ve probably changed my tune a little bit.
Billy Horschel
“I think the overseed has — the rough is not long enough. It’s not penal enough when you miss the fairway.
“I really wish we would just play this as a straight Bermuda. From tee to green, everything be straight Bermuda.
“I know it doesn’t look prettier on TV and I know that’s one of the reasons why it’s overseeded.”
He added: “It is a little disappointing that, I’d say the condition of the course is very scorable.”