L ast year's top-4 finishers all lost in their first round. This year, perhaps due to the strong wind and heavy ground, the matches were more even. Also, last year only two matched went to extra holes in the entire tournament. Romero defeated Norman after 21 holes in the first round, and Maggert beat Magee on the second extra hole after their 36-hole final had been tied. This year four matches already went beyond 18 holes.
Players are able to lift, clean, and place their ball when on the fairway or closely mown area.