Who had the advantage,

[Patrick_Mucci]

Tom Doak or Ran Morrissett ?

Was Doak's intimate familiarity with the architecture, the features and the spacial relationships an advantage or a disadvantage when he played against Ran ?

And, was Ran's total unfamiliarity with the architecture, the features and the spacial relationships an advantage or a disadvantage ?

Some golfers claim that they play a course better the first time as opposed to repeat play because they don't know where the trouble is.

How many find that applicable ?

Does repeat play reinforce the architectural positives or the negatives in terms of playability ?

[John Keenan]

Experience and knowledge are always an advantage. knowing where to and not to are of high value.

The benefit of a first time experience is I believe that you may be more aware since the surroundings are unfamiliar.

Point to experience

[Tom_Doak]

Patrick:

On 4-5 occasions, my best round on one of my own courses was my first.  I had visualized the shots to be played so many times, and mostly visualized executing them successfully, that it was easy to put those thoughts into action.  [It could also be partly that the greens were slower and it was easier to save pars after missed greens.]

Once I've played the course a few times, and missed a bunch of shots there, the confidence wears off.

[Tommy_Naccarato]

Tom,
I've beat the bastard on one of your courses. It took all 19 holes to do it, but I won, he lost.

Victory is so sweet.....

[Mike_Sweeney]

Some golfers claim that they play a course better the first time as opposed to repeat play because they don't know where the trouble is.

I would agree with this tee to green, especially when you are hitting the ball well. However, on the greens, local knowledge is king, and since "par" is roughly 50% made up by putting, I would say that Doak had the advantage.

Today, I hit the ball best that I have hit this year, but had two approach shots hit solid parts of the green and rolled off, and putted off of two greens at a new to me course. Next time will be different.

[Andy Troeger]

I used to think I could go tee it up anywhere anytime and it wouldn't make much difference if I'd seen the course before or not. Now, other than the occasional dumb-luck round, I think I play significantly better on courses I've seen before. I understand the shots needed, what club is best suited to execute those shots, and most importantly, where to miss when I don't execute!