Tommy Naccarato,
If you had never heard of ANGC, never seen it, knew nothing of its history, and I had it in my power to arrange for us to play it. After your round, I think that you would rave about the golf course, the fun and challenge of playing it.
It was a very good golf course when I played it, and I can't phantom that I would think otherwise today, even with the changes that have taken place since I last played it.
That doesn't mean that I endorse every change, but, I've learned to accept what is. The routing and the underlying architecture are so good that they defy modifications to date.
I also want to state for the record, that I believe that the
16th, 10th and 7th holes are better today, than in their original form, hence, I believe that some changes are for the better, but that's just my opinion based on my play of the golf course.
And, ANGC isn't the only club to have made changes.
Pine Valley has undergone changes too.
Holes have had new tees added to provide extra length.
# 16 is a perfect example. I think it might have been created just for the Walker Cup, so even Pine Valley is influenced by the play of better golfers.
Gone is the double fairway on # 17.
A second green was added at # 9
A second green was added at # 8
What about the invasive undergrowth and trees that were allowed to influence lines of play and the play of the golf course, do you see that as a positive ?
Don't be so harsh on ANGC.
I know that you have dart boards with Hootie's, Stephens's and Robert's faces on them, but, it's still a great golf course.
But, are you saying, in front of all these witnesses, that if I had it in my power to get you to play the golf course, that you'll refuse ?