PGA Championship course bizarrely compared to the Kardashians by US golfer

Former American golfer Hunter Mahan has cuttingly had his say on Quail Hollow ahead of the . All eyes will be on the course as it prepared to host the competition for the first time since 2017, but the venue has received something of a mixed reception.

The course was founded in 1959 and regularly renovates to ensure that it leads the way in terms of facilities to ensure that members can enjoy a premium experience every time that they arrive. However, that may come at the expense of the general feeling in the area.

Mahan is among those who has questioned the character of the course, comparing the venue to a famous American reality family. Speaking to , he said: "I guess I would say Quail Hollow is like a Kardashian. It's very modern, beautiful and well-kept. But it lacks a soul or character."

The six-time PGA Tour winner's views are shared by other stars, though others enjoy travelling to North Carolina to compete at the course. Rory McIlroy is among those who have thrived at Quail Hollow previously, with the majority of the holes suiting his playstyle.

He has won four times at the course previously, prompting Jordan Spieth to reportedly dub the venue the 'Rory McIlroy Country Club'. McIlroy has enjoyed being able to blast his shots over the fairway bunkers with his drivers previously, prompting some course amendments to ensure that not all players turn their hand to those tactics.

Johnny Harris, president of Quail Hollow, said: "Last year, before Wells Fargo, we flipped the bunkers on No. 16, the first hole of the Green Mile, which is the hardest three holes in golf. We were sure nobody's gonna knock it over. Well, the first day of the tournament, Rory McIlroy flew it over the bunker, stood in the fairway, looked back at the camera and gave me a nod."

McIlroy will be hoping that any changes do not scupper his chances when he heads to the course later this week.

The Northern Irishman will be bidding to become the fifth player since 1960 to win the opening two legs of the Grand Slam, a feat only achieved by Tiger Wood, Spieth, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus previously.