I think this is a really good question.
I have played Austin Golf Club 20 times or so. Of the 14 driving holes, 10 are dogleg right holes, but all 14 could be played with a fade. I would say 85-90% of the single digit hdcps draw the ball and they find the course difficult. Even the architect draws the ball, and he's a member that plays it almost daily.When you think about it, thats so cool that he wants the challenge that uncomfortable shape presents.
Scott,
That is a great example.
Perhaps it was a bit cumbersome, but my goal with this thread is not to find out what type of putt is easiest rather it is to find out how we can create shot demands on the to players that will have them seeking a ball that increases their ability to manuever in both directions.
Many people were disappointed at the preparations for the 2004 US Open because of what happened with green speeds on Saturday night. My disappointment was the lack of penalty for driving in the rough. Shinnecock offers a very high degree of challenge off the tee (especially when th fairways are at Open widths) because to find the fairways you have to be comfortable working the ball both directions. If you cannot do this you will be faced with several holes which offer very little area to land your drive and keep it in the fairway. Since the rough turned out to be only a minor penalty players did not have to work as hard to get the ball in the fairway.
I think this type of design (in concert with really firm conditions) is in my view the only way to reign in the ball. If all the current courses on tour were to make the minor alterations to course layout, and find a way to really firm up the course you will have the tour pros looking for a ball that spins a good bit more and smaller driver heads that enhance workability because all of the sudden 150 in the fairway is markedly better than 115 in the rough.
A voluntary rollback is the only rollback I can imagine and this is the only way to create a voluntary rollback in my opinion.