While admitting he was surprised by Phil Mickelson's sharp criticism of the greens at Quail Hollow, club president Johnny Harris said Sunday he's glad to know how Mickelson feels.
"If he said it, he felt it," Harris said. "I'd rather know that than not know it."
After his Saturday round, Mickelson said Quail Hollow has "some of the worst-designed greens" on the PGA Tour, citing the 12th and 18th greens in particular. Mickelson was tied for second, two shots off the lead, at the time.
Harris said he looks forward to talking with Mickelson about his specific issues regarding the greens at Quail Hollow.
"I was sort of glad he voiced it," Harris said. "It helped us understand he had some concerns that he can help us to understand. We've always listened to players and patrons about how to improve the tournament. We want to be the best.
"We look forward to discussing it with him. It's not a big deal."
Mickelson was particularly bothered by a hole location on the right side of the 18th green. After hitting his second shot well beyond the hole, Mickelson was unable to putt toward the hole. Instead, he putted to the side then made an eight-footer for par.
The par-4 12th hole, which has a sharply sloped putting surface, also created a number of problems for players on Saturday.
"I was as surprised as anybody," said PGA Tour rules official Steve Rintoul, who is in charge of the course set-up. Phil has played here enough that to say that out of the blue when he didn't have a bad day was a little surprising.
"This is perhaps the best set of greens on tour because they are so different from the other greens on tour."