Cypress Point vs New South Wales

[Dustin Knight]

As someone who has been fortunate enough to play NSW G.C many times in the last 10yrs but have not yet experienced courses outside of Australia, i am interested to hear some opinons of those who have walked/played both.
Only recently have i started to become infected with the architectural bug and I am thirsty for knowledge as to how this great Aussie course stacks up against a course which i have heard some people over the years say is possibly second to none (in their opinion). I know this is a rather general question but as I am keen to learn as much as possible in all areas of course design your opinions are a great place to start.
 i.e NSW 5th,6th,7th vs CP 15th,16th17th.  Is NSW as intimidating as CP strategically and has the architect used the breathtaking setting to divert your attention in the hope you make a mistake with course management???

[moth]

Having played both, I would say that NSW can be just as intimidating to play (or pehaps more so depending upon strength of the wind). However in the beauty of the setting and the architecture there is just no comparison, Cypress is beyond compare, while NSW is attractive but not overly compelling.

Of the holes in question, at NSW there does not seem to be any attempt to enahance the rather rugged nature of the site, wheras the hand of man at Cypress Point enhances what would have been one of the most beaurtiful spots on earth with or without a golf course.

Mind you, as a championship venue and under typical wind conditions, NSW is probably the tougher test.

[Dustin Knight]

Thanks Brett,

I always thought New South was quite raw, but as i haven't personally experienced Cypress or courses of that style abroad  i had little to compare with.

Of the more high profile designs is there one you would say is in the same calibre as NSW, or are the green complexes and bunkering basic when compared to a cypress/pebble?

[Gerry B]

having played both I would give the  edge to CPC. The setting is unsurpassed. However NSW is  he finest course in Australia -IMHO  -fantastic course

[moth]

I think the bunkering style at NSW is probably appropriate for the site and the high wind conditions there. Cypress Point style bunkers would not cope with the wind there IMO. I don't recall the greens at NSW as being as contoured as those at Cypress, although I do recall chipping/putting over/off a few of them so they have enough contour to do the job!

[Dustin Knight]

Having only really viewed pictures of 15,16 and 17 at Cypress
i'm sure i still have lots to learn about the place.

would anyone here be willing to assist me in obtaining some
pictures showing a more diverse range of holes and terrain
at Cypress?

[James Edwards]

Dustin,

Id be happy to send you through some of CPC.  Email me and i'll reply with as soon as possible
james.swangolf@btinternet.com

P.S I like your style with the title of the thread.

[Shane Gurnett]

Dustin, try to get hold of Geoff Shackelford's excellent book "Alistair Mackenzies Cypress Point Club". Try Amazon in the US - cheaper to import than buy here in Aust. Great book.

[NAF]

If I recall when I played NSW 2 years ago there were pictures in the clubhouse of the club at its origin and some of the sand dune scapes were very reminiscent of Cypress Point as portrayed in Geoff Shack's book.. Obviously WW II affected the site and I'm not sure if Eric Apperly changed the bunkering (thanks though for the 6th hole!).  I would love to see the course under the old bunkering but perhaps and B. Mogg said, it might have probs keeping the sand in them.

I played CP on a sunny day with a light, tacking breeze while I played NSW through a storm and 30-30mph winds.  With the exposed site on Botany Bay, I was totally overwhelmed especially around the 13th/14th holes.  To give you an idea of how powerful the wind was the 18th--long par 5 was driver/ 8 iron due to the wind.  

NSW has much more native vegetation and scrub to capture a wayward ball then CP but there is obviously no more intimidating shot than #16 or the tee shot at #17 at the Point.  Although there is very much a Lindbergh thrill to the 5th hole at NSW.  I hit my only 380 yard drive that day--

I would rather play CP but I definitely think NSW is #2 behind Royal Mel in Oz.  Then again, we'll see after Barnbougle and St. Andrews Beach.