5 sights to see at the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow

It may be a bit soggy, but the 99th PGA Championship is up and running at Quail Hollow Club.

Hospitality tents, concessions stands and a massive merchandise shop have turned the South Charlotte course into a small town that is already buzzing with golf fans.

If you’re heading out this week, here is an early look at five cool things to check out once you arrive. All of these areas are marked on the maps that are available as you enter.

1. The 18th green

After you enter the course, you’ll walk onto a carpeted platform that overlooks the 18th green, the final stop on the famed “Green Mile” finishing holes at Quail Hollow.

This is a great place to take in the hole and check the “Monster Board,” which features a giant leaderboard and a video screen with updates from around the course.

2. Practice range/putting green

Big stars such as Jordan Spieth and Dustin Johnson were already at the Quail Hollow driving range on Monday working on the game ahead of tournament play, which runs Thursday through Sunday.

The driving range has grandstands where fans can camp out and watch their favorite players warm up. Plenty of kids were gathered around the nearby fence hoping for autographs.

Quail Hollow also has a practice putting green where you can hang on the fence and watch the players practice.

3. Champions Park

This is an oasis between the 9th and 10th holes that includes concessions, tables, a smaller merchandise shop and a First Aid station. Sponsors Mercedes-Benz and watch maker Omega also have areas where they are showing off their wares.

If your phone battery starts running down, there is a station where you can get a portable battery charger. But be prepared to pay a $35 rental fee.

4. The Green Mile

There are multiple places to check out the golf action along the Green Mile – the nickname for the challenging 16th, 17th and 18th holes.

Next to the Hole 17 Village hospitality tent, you can plant your chair and watch the pros try to safely cross the water and land their shots on the 17th green.

Another good viewing spot is at the base of the Green Mile hospitality tent, where you can watch golfers tackle the 17th hole while also catching action at the 16th green and the 14th green across the water.

At this spot, it’s virtually 360 degrees of golf action all around you.

5. The Championship Shops

This site is pretty hard to miss: The football field-sized merchandise tent is pretty much the first thing you see as you walk through the entrance.

Inside, it’s more like a department store than a souvenir tent. The shop sells a wide range of clothing brands, all carrying PGA logos. Golf towels and pin flags are among the big sellers.

You can also take a selfie with a video version of Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia.

This story was originally published August 7, 2017 at 12:35 PM with the headline "5 sights to see at the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow."