Walker Cup goes to Royal Co Down

[Johnny_Browne]

Just announced that the 2007 Walker Cup will be at Royal Co Down - some changes to the course required - a new 16th hole to be built - plans already there for a short par 4 designed by Donald Steel which ties in with a previous thread.  More news later.  (I am fortunate to be a member there but not yet convinced about changes.)
Johnny B

[THuckaby2]

Johnny - on the one hand this is great news - if ever there is a worthy venue for The Walker Cup it is RCD.  But if it holding the event necessitates changes, especially to the 16th, well... I'm leaning toward wanting the the R&A to leave it alone!  Maybe I'm weird, but I love the 16th as it is and believe it's a great match play hole... unless you tell me they're going to put the green out in the "canyon" to the left somewhere (which would be something) I say leave well enough alone.  What's wrong with a driveable par 4 frought with danger?

TH

[Tim_Weiman]

Johnny:

Happy to see the Walker Cup go to Royal County Down, clearly one of the great venues in all of golf.

These days when I go over I can't seem to get out of Kerry. But a trip back to Newcastle is long overdue and maybe I'll put this one in my long term plans.

[ClarkW]

What a great site for the 2007 Walker Cup! I read the announcement today but didn't see any mention of course changes?!? I am looking forward to a trip to RCD in July to see this world class venue and will ask about any proposed changes too.  Johnny Browne, please keep us apprised of the situation.

Hopefully television coverage of the Walker Cup will be more complete than what the British Senior Open telecast showed of the course the past few years.

[M.W._Burrows]

It looks like the Walker Cup has the right idea when choosing venues.

2005 Chicago GC
2007 Royal County Down
2009 National Golf Links of America??

[Mike_Sweeney]

Johnny,

I did not need the extra incentive to get there, but now I will make a point of working RCD into the next trip. Congrats on getting a great event.

[Ran Morrissett]

Johhny,

DELIGHTED  to hear from you - hope all is well.

Isn't the 16th one of the great half par holes in Ulster (can anyone name a better one)? What are they thinking?  

How is Steel's work now viewed re: the 18th? No doubt it is much stronger/tougher - is the consensus that it's also better?

Do you plan on playing your way onto the team?  

Cheers,

[Johnny_Browne]

Ran,
Still alive and playing.  Played 18 foursomes with RCD Hon Secretary so found some of the info.  Changing the 16th is one of the stipulations from R&A but not as bad as it sounds - new hole being made - short par 4 playing accross old 16th but old 16th is to be left as well (at least for a time).  Dr steele has plans done but I have not seen them (yet) - will post when I do.  Reason for change is problems with waiting and crowds and 17th tee so close to green that course backs up rather than any weakness of hole - I also love 16th - will keep you posted.
Even local knowledge and having in my CV as defeated the current GB&I Captain (Garth McGimpsey) in the past are unlikely to warrant selection!

Regards and nice to hear from you

Johnny