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Saturday, 12 August 2006, 12:21 GMT 13:21 UK

USPGA field set for Medinah test

Phil Mickelson lifts the USPGA trophy at Baltusrol This year's USPGA Championship will take place on the longest course to ever host one of golf's four majors.

The lay-out at Medinah near Chicago, where the event begins on Thursday, has been lengthened to 7,561 yards.

Three of the par fives are over 575 yards and only one of the par fours is under 400 yards.

It is 25 yards longer than previous record-holder Whistling Straits two years ago, while Augusta was stretched to 7,445 yards for the 2006 Masters.

Medinah is where Tiger Woods held off Sergio Garcia to lift the USPGA title seven years ago.

During last month's Open win at Hoylake, the world number one used a driver just once in 72 holes, but will not be able to repeat that tactic in Illinois.

"I think the players will notice a different golf course from 1999," said course renovator Rees Jones.

As well as the extra distance, a total of 300 trees have been removed, many of the bunkers re-sculptured and deepened and greens changed.

Defending champion Phil Mickelson joked earlier in the year after hearing details of the new lay-out: "I'm thinking about coming to the USPGA as a spectator instead of a player."



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Last-gasp Mickelson secures USPGA (15 Aug 05 |  Golf )

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