Wells Fargo Championship starting to draw big names, questions remain about logistics

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Some big name golf players are starting to commit to the PGA Tour stop here in Wilmington in May.

While organizers are busy making sure the course is in tip-top shape, some neighbors of Eagle Point Golf Club are getting anxious about traffic.

North Carolina native and 2012 US Open champion Webb Simpson has been telling his fellow golf professionals all about this year’s Wells Fargo Championship in Wilmington.

“I’ve got so much history here,” Simpson said. “I love the Wells Fargo Championship as it is, and for it to be where I grew up, or at least in the area of where I grew up, is a dream come true honestly.”

Growing up, Simpson learned how to play golf at Landfall. Later he became a member at Eagle Point Golf Club, where the PGA Tour stop will be held.

“I hope I can, you know, make a putt right out there to win and do James Hahn’s ‘Gangnam Style’ dance right out there,” Simpson said, referring to last year’s Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte.

Hahn and defending Masters champion Danny Willett have also committed to play in the tournament. In the mean time, Eagle Point President Bobby Long said they have been busy doing everything to prepare the course.

“What has not been done? And please tell me,” Long said.

Long said they even brought in the former head of grounds at Augusta National, Marsh Benson, to help.

“Every vantage point he says, ‘If I were painting a painting right here, then how would it look?’ And then, he goes about it from everywhere,” Long said.

Meanwhile, down the street, some neighbors are getting a little anxious. Tina Young lives near the golf course. She said she is excited for the area, but she is concerned about her street.

“Well, I’m excited for the county, and I’m excited for the golf course, but as a neighborhood, we have concerns about security and traffic all over Wilmington,” Young said.

Organizers say they have been working on traffic and parking logistics with city, county and NCDOT officials. They plan to announce more details in the next couple of weeks.

The Wells Fargo Championship will be held May 1-7. The event is expected to bring thousands to the Cape Fear region that week.