Vlach steals show on eve of The Players

Despite wearing a tag — golf's fifth major — that neither the club nor the rest of the game likes all that much, The Players Championship returns to the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass today, a course that has been nothing but a gracious host to the event since 1982.

And during the days leading up to this year's tournament, there had been nothing but praise from players and officials alike for the condition of the course, maintainted by superintendent Tom Vlach, CGCS, and his team. Our very own senior director of marketing and communications Jeff Bollig spent a few days at Sawgrass with Vlach and the maintenance crew, and filed this report:

Temperatures in north Florida were toasty on Wednesday, but they could not generate any steam from TPC Sawgrass superintendent Tom Vlach, CGCS. Perhaps that is because he has been hearing rave reviews of the course from almost everyone on the property. Players to a man were complimentary after practice rounds, and PGA Tour staff and rules officials had a bounce in their step and smiles on their faces. They know that happy Tour players will make for a less stressful week all the way around.

Vlach took time out of his busy schedule to tape an interview with the Golf Channel. Vlach, who is quiet by nature, is more than willing to speak on behalf of his profession.

"I have an excellent opportunity here to talk about our (superintendents) role," he says. "The media is interested about Sawgrass and what my staff is doing to prepare it. The exposure is good all the way around."
 
Vlach recorded the spot, which wil be aired on Thursday or Friday, with the help of a few technology tools. He shared how his staff contols moisture levels and the firmness of putting greens. Consistency is the theme this week, and so far the response from the players has been great.

Positioned on the 13th green during a practice round, the television crew was noticeably nervous as tee shots on the par 3 hit a few yards from Vlach's demonstration. "This is their chance to get me," he said with a chuckle.  "They are so good, we do not have to worry about them hitting us. Unless they are mad at me for some reason."