NEWS

Local Knowledge: 2013 Deutsche Bank Championship

By T.J. Auclair, Interactive Producer
Published on
Local Knowledge: 2013 Deutsche Bank Championship

This week, the PGA Tour travels to Norton, Mass., for the Deutsche Bank Championship -- the second leg of the PGA Tour FedExCup playoffs at TPC Boston.

Rory McIlroy is the defending champion and is in the 100-player field (cut down from 125 at last week's Barclays). Tiger Woods was a question mark for this week after playing through back pain to tie for second at the Barclays, but he looks ready to play.

MORE: The best public golf courses in New England

Before the unique Friday start at TPC Boston, we caught up with Senior PGA Head Professional David Corrado for a little Q&A.

Corrado talked about the buzz around TPC Boston as the tournament approaches, the course's dramatic closing par 5, Adam Scott and more.

PGA.com: David, it's hard to believe it's been another year, but here we are ready for another Deutsche Bank Championship. What's the excitement level like right now at TPC Boston just before the start of the second leg of the PGA Tour Playoffs for the FedExCup?

Corrado: Following an exciting finish at The Barclays, there is certainly a sense of anticipation going into the 2013 Deutsche Bank Championship. With many of the top players in peak form headed into this week, it is sure to be a great event from start to finish. There is no doubt the Boston sports fans will be out this Labor Day weekend to watch the best on Tour play at TPC Boston.

PGA.com: TPC Boston has one of the great finishing holes that we see on the PGA Tour -- a reachable par 5, where scores can range from eagle to "other." Can you tell our readers a little about that particular hole?

Corrado: The reachable par-5 18th plays at 530 yards for the players and provides an excellent stage for a player to make a move up the leaderboard. Players typically will be hitting long irons, hybrids or the occasional fairway wood into the small green to try and take advantage of a late birdie or potential eagle.

The hole is certainly no layup though. With the closely mown area left of the green that sits as low as 6 feet below the putting surface and the large greenside bunker right that contains multiple islands that could affect a player's lie, each player has to make a risk/reward decision when going for it in two. An exciting finish is almost guaranteed.

PGA.com: Adam Scott is a former champion at TPC Boston. He comes into the event this week as the reigning Masters champ and the winner of last week's Barclays. What do you see in Adam's game that has been so on point this year? He always seems to be in the mix.

Corrado: Adam has one of the best swings on Tour and there is no weakness in his game. He certainly has the power off the tee and consistency with his iron play to hit a lot of greens. Where he is really shining this year in making putts between 15 and 20 feet. These are the putts where you can score, making plenty of birdies and lowering his scoring average to second best on Tour. 

PGA.com: Generally speaking, scores can get very low at TPC Boston, evidenced by Rory McIlroy's winning at 20 under last year and a couple of 22-under-par winning scores in the past. That said, which stretch of holes is the most crucial in terms of getting your scoring done and why?

Corrado: There are two stretches of holes that players need to take advantage of in order to position themselves to contend down the stretch. Holes 1-5 provide some scoring opportunities in 1, 2 and 4 before players need to bear down in the middle of the golf course. The middle stretch of holes 5-14 has some lengthy holes that will challenge the field.

Players have an opportunity to score during the final four holes on the par-4 15th, the short par-3 16th, the short par-4 17th, and the reachable par-5 18th, providing an exciting finish to the championship.  

PGA.com: Final question for you, David. What do you enjoy most about tournament week?

Corrado: There is a lot to enjoy during the Deutsche Bank Championship each year. Meeting the PGA Tour players, seeing familiar faces throughout the Tour, DBC and volunteer staffs, and the excitement around the golf course are certainly high on the list. But the greatest satisfaction comes from knowing the event raises money for so many worthwhile charities in the Boston area and across the country. At the heart of the PGA Tour is charity and that is evident throughout the tournament week.