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GREENSBORO -- Yes, he says, it was the right decision to leave three decades ago. Yes, he says, it was the right decision to return.

Wade Peoples was general chairman of what is now the Wyndham Championship when he announced after the 1976 tournament that Greensboro's PGA Tour event was leaving Sedgefield, where it had been played off and on since 1938. It was moving to a newer course, Forest Oaks Country Club, where it stayed for 31 years.

"It's fun being back," Peoples said Friday from behind the ninth green, which was swarming with spectators.

Should the tournament have stayed at Sedgefield?

"Hard question," he said. "At the time, Sedgefield had a different membership. After being here 16 straight years, some of the members felt we had worn out our welcome. Now there's a new membership and they wanted us back."

Plus, he said, the players wanted the event played on a course designed by legendary architect Donald Ross.

From the sizable turnout at Sedgefield on Friday, it's hard to second-guess the decision to come back.

"This is the biggest crowd we have had on Thursday and Friday for many, many years," Peoples said.

ZINGER LIGHTS A FIRE: When U.S. Ryder Cup captain Paul Azinger said he'd consider the Wyndham champion for a spot on the team, players were listening.

"For me, it's something to drive me," said Scott McCarron.

This being golf, some players would rather not have something else to think about when they're on the course.

"Things are always on my mind, but ... I've got to put Willie Nelson out of the back of my head and go ahead and try to win," said Jerry Kelly.

FAMILY TRADITION: If you saw the late touring pros Mike and Jim Turnesa play here, you're a golf-watching geezer.

That's Marc Turnesa -- Mike's 30-year-old grandson and Jim's grand-nephew -- playing at Sedgefield.

"A few guys have come up and said they knew Jim," Marc said.

Marc Turnesa's 3-under score made the cut.

Jim Schlosser contributed to this report.