After dinner and drinks late one night in June, David Moriarty, shivas, and I went out to PB #18 to look at the new tree guarding the right side of the green. Whether it was the perfect night at this wonderous setting, the day's 36 holes we played at another course nearby freshly in our minds, the alcohol, or a combination of all of these, our thoughts and dialogue went all over the place. While most don't merit further discussion, Mr. Moriarty did have one that was particularly interesting, and I have not seen it addressed in any forum.
David noted that we are all aware of the negative effects of advancements in equipment technology on gca, particularly in terms of changing the character of play at the classical courses. But, he also wondered out-loud whether there were some positive consequences as well.
He posed this question much more elegantly and succintly than I just described, using the 18th at PB and the location of the new tree as an example. In the "old days", the typical play was a driver/3-wood down the right side, a lay-up with a long to mid-iron on the second as close to the water as possible, and a wedge of some type to the green. With longer clubs and balls, it is not unusual for the player today to flirt with the left side of the fairway off the tee to get home in two. It seems that on this hole at least, new technology allows for more options, a more enticing risk/reward opportunity, and the potential for a 2 to 3 stroke swing on that last hole. BTW, without the tree by the green, the drive and second shot would be less important, as a making a 4 from that side would be much easier.
Other holes of this type made better by modern technology that come to mind are the 16th ("Monster") at Firestone-South, and the 12th at OSU- Scarlet. There are probably some tight par 4s that are now driveable under the right circumstances which result in a higher range of scores. Can anyone think of other holes or gca features enhanced by the advancements in equipment?