I was down at Pennard yesterday and noticed that folks were playing the par 3 practice hole. My immediate thought was that the 2nd was having its green relaid - again. Its been a long story of which the short of it is, I don't know why the club spent the time, effort and money. Sure, the green was generally in poor condition, but the course is not a gem condition wise anyway. At least it wasn't a Braid hole. So after playing the practice hole I walked by the 2nd and got the shock of my life. The entire right side of the green had been alpinized!
Below is what the green complex looked like (well near enough) the last time I was at Pennard.
Now the entire right side is a dune maybe 15 feet high - it looks bizarre in a landscape of bizarre. The back of the green is also a dune much higher and steeper than previously. Obviously, the bunker is gone. What has essentially been created is a punchbowl green. It is the one of the wildest things I have ever seen and it immediately reminded me of some of those alpinization pix of old. Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera with me.
I am not sure how the hole will play, but I suspect it will be easier because the new dune will kick shots back to the green. This was always a tough little punch shot hole because the wind generally comes directly at the camera. The approach is from the left to this longish, narrow green. Missing right wasn't the end of the world. It was an easy 4 and a tough up and down for par. Maybe the next time I am down I will bring the camera. The image will shock the folks that know Pennard.
Ciao