Hi everyone,
I'm new to this wonderful site and I freely admit that I discovered it because of the article in Sports Illustrated. Sorry if that offends anyone with me intruding on your "turf."
I'm kind of intimidated because most of you have played courses I only dream of. I think the most I've ever paid for 18 holes is 55 bucks, so that tells you something.
What I'm most fascinated by this post, however, is that no one has mentioned the preferred #1 hole of what I have understood to be the inspiration of this web site: The World Atlas of Golf. I'm looking at my old and tattered copy here (the first edition) and the hole they have listed as the best #1 hole is no. 1 at Sandwich. Here is what they write about this hole:
"The paramount requirement for an opening hole is that it should enable play to flow from the outset--that golfers should not be delayed waiting for a green to clear, as on a par-five within range of two shots. It should also whet the golfer's appetite for the test ahead, a mission more easily accomplished should its prospect be instatly appealing. To stand on the tee on a summer morning, with the breeze fresh from the sea and the larks in full voice--as they always seem to be at Sandwich--and look down the crumpled spread of fairway, would make any golfer rejoice. The drive is not demanding, but the stance for the second shot, usually a medium iron, may be uneven in the classic links fashion. A cross-bunker, steeply faced and cut deep into a gentle upslope, protects the approaches to a green that falls awy from the striker, although the bold shot is not unduly punished. Any golfer still in need of encouragement will delight in the trueness of the green."
Now, the closest I've been to England is probably LaGuardia airport, so I have no freaking clue about this assessment. But it seems some of you have probably played this course. Is number one at Sandwich a great opening hole? Or has technology and time (and new courses) weakened it (I remember that the WAoG was first written in 1976 in the era of wood woods and stiff irons)?
I would love to read your comments, and I am thrilled to have found this site.
steve