ST. LOUIS — St. Louis knows how to do big sporting events.
The Show-Me State has been showing up big time for the PGA Championship at Bellerive Country Club. Everyone from the broadcasters on CBS to the players themselves have been commenting on the massive crowds at Bellerive.
And yes, that includes Tiger Woods, too.
"I can't thank the fans in St. Louis enough for packing the course all week and for their enthusiasm and support. It meant so much to me," Woods tweeted.
"The energy was incredible, but the positiveness of it all... I wish we could play in front of crowds like this every single week, because this is a true pleasure," Woods said Sunday after making a run but finishing second to Brooks Koepka.
“They’ve been unbelievable, not only supportive, but just so positive,” Woods said.
Tiger had never played a professional round of golf in St. Louis. Crowds eager for an up close and personal look got their fill Saturday. The golfer played 28 holes after his second round was cut short due to severe weather on Friday.
Despite the long, hot day, Tiger felt the love from the St. Louis crowd.
“It’s been a pleasure to play in front of them, it really has,” Woods said.
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It might have had a little something to do with Tiger, but fellow golfer Justin Thomas said he’s never seen crowds like this before.
“I don’t think I’d ever played in front of that many people,” he told reporters Saturday. “This is the first real ‘Tiger effect’ I guess you could say. I’ve played with him a handful of times in tournaments but haven’t exactly had crowds like this. So, it’s been pretty cool.”
It’s not just the American players who are digging the atmosphere. Players from all over the world said the enthusiastic crowds have been making it fun for them to play—despite the heat, storms and weather delay.
“7:30 this morning it was a packed house on the 10th tee,” Australian golfer Adam Scott said Friday. “It was really nice to see everyone really embracing the tournament. It’s a fun atmosphere for us to play in.”
“Crowds are incredible,” said Italian golfer Francesco Molinari. “I’m getting a lot of support, which is nice. A very nice week so far.”
I wish we could play in front of crowds like this every single week.
The last time St. Louis hosted the PGA Championship was in 1992.
“Hopefully we can come back soon,” Tiger said.
We hope so, too.
