Golf: Fans pick water-wary hole location for PGA’s 15th

Jason Dufner hits from the fairway on the 14th hole during the third round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at Oak Hill Country Club, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2013, in Pittsford, N.Y. AP

ROCHESTER – Golf fans selected a pin placement that brings a water hazard into play for the par-3 15th hole Sunday at Oak Hill in the final round of the PGA Championship.

More than 92,000 voters in an internet poll selected option C from among four possibilities on offer in the unprecedented fan interaction move by the PGA of America.

The hole will be located 25 yards from the front of the green and only four yards from the right side of the green – and a lake that borders that edge of the putting surface.

That sets up a dramatic risk-reward situation at the 69th hole of the tournament, the final par-3 hole on the course.

“The PGA of America is excited by the extremely positive response we have received,” PGA of America president Ted Bishop said. “Our goal was to ensure that golf fans worldwide were more engaged with the 95th PGA Championship than ever before, and we are delighted with the results.

“Just as important, the players have been very complimentary about the interactive nature of the initiative and the innovative opportunity for fan participation.”

Jack Nicklaus, a 14-time major champion, said he voted for the winning option.

“It’s probably the most dangerous of the hole locations, especially if a player is trying to get it close,” Nicklaus said. “But that hole also gives a player an option if he wants to play conservatively, because there is plenty of room short left.”