Published: July 21, 2008 11:07 pm            

PORTER CUP: Changes could affect scoring

LEWISTON — Organizers of the Porter Cup were sad to hear that reigning champion Brian Harman couldn’t return to defend his title, as the University of Georgia star underwent surgery on a wrist that’s been hampering him.

But while they’ll miss Harman, most out at Niagara Falls Country Club won’t miss the tournament record of 258 that Harman fired through four rounds last July.

Harman’s total of 22-under-par didn’t just nip the previous record — Casey Wittenberg won the 2003 cup with a 266 — it smashed it.

With a few tweaks to the course, a wetter spring, and no Harman in the field, most expect the numbers to rise this year.

“The drought we had last year really affected the scoring,” said John Boss, the head pro at Niagara Falls C.C. “This year, they’re not going to shoot anywhere near as low as they did last year.

“Hopefully.”

Heavy rains have given the staff at NFCC a better chance to grow out the rough, meaning those who stray from the fairway will have a tougher time getting home. And a few new kinks have been added to combat ever-improving equipment and subsequent drive length.

The changes include:

- A new tee box on No. 8, which now can play as long as 460 yards. In the past, this hole hasn’t been too challenging to the top players, as a large tree down the left side of the fairway has been taken out of play by those with a draw. That’s left a flat approach to an unguarded green, and most have had little trouble getting a makeable birdie putt.

Here’s the kicker — organizers might decide to use the new tee box, or might keep the placements where the old boxes were. It’s also possible the days are split between the old boxes and the new.

- The most interesting spot on the course for fans — the strip between the green on No. 15 and the tee boxes on Nos. 16 and 17 — got a little more intimate.

The tee on No. 16 has been pushed back and can play at up to 220 yards.

That hasn’t deterred most from using a middle iron, though.

“They’re hitting fives and sixes depending on the wind,” Boss said.

Also, the tee box on No. 17 was moved back and can now play at about 460 yards.

“We’re happy with the way things have worked out with the course,” said Steve Denn, the tournament’s director.

NOTES: Still no word on whether Adam Scott, a former Porter Cup participant and the fourth-ranked golfer in the world, will be able to honor his commitment to attend tonight’s Champions Dinner, which will be held at the club’s grand ballroom. Scott tied for 16th at the British Open last weekend, and had told organizers he was hoping to hop on a plane and make it to tonight’s festivities. ... While Scott’s status is uncertain, Lanny Wadkins will be on hand for the event. Wadkins, who won the 1977 PGA Championship at Pebble Beach, arrived Monday to watch his son, Travis, who will be playing in the event. “He’ll be here all week,” Denn said of Wadkins, who played in the 1968 and 1970 Porter Cup.

        

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