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The course underwent a major makeover since Toms one-putted the final hole to win in '01. In addition to the added length, three types of grasses — Diamond Zoysia for the fairways and two types of Bermuda for the greens and rough, all three of which thrive in heat — replaced the old turf.

The fairways are perfect, the players said, the greens are pure, and the rough won't allow them to control their golf balls and in many cases reach the green.

"The course is in fantastic shape," reigning Open Championship winner Darren Clarke said Tuesday after playing the front nine. "The fairways, you could almost put them down as carpet in your house, they are that good."

Bunkers were added and repositioned to pinch landing areas for tee shots, fairways were narrowed and the...

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