Used to work here, in 2003 and 2004--haven't been back since 2005. I'm a little surprised to see the mature trees and fescues on the bank of the lake--this is right where the old green was. I wonder if the large evergreens block the view of the new 10th hole and new 18th hole rom the clubhouse. It's really a nice vista from the clubhouse patios and pools across that part of the golf course.
I would really like to get back there to visit, it's the best membership I have ever worked for, and easily the best run place I have ever worked while in CMAA. And the best prime rib on the planet from Chef Bell and Jim Long.
JWL--there's not really very much room for grandstands, spectators, and the like around 9 green. It's basically surrounded by trees, deep ravine in front, with adjacent holes on both sides of the trees. Plus, there's a chipping green directly behind 9 green. So it's sort of a tight area. If you saw it in person, you would understand; it's a little hard to describe. Old 17/New 18 has a lot more going for it in terms of drama, with water on three sides of the green. It's an astonishing sight to hit a tee shot down the middle on that hole, and walk off the teebox--when you hit the top of the hill, the fairway just rolls down to the lake in front of you; clubhouse is high on the hill behind it, very beautiful but imposing, and the green sits below you, surounded by water.
Jerry--good question about circulation of players. There are a number of spots there, immediate to that area, that are a little tight in terms of travelling from one place to another.