Matt,
We played the course as far back as you could possibly play it. Also the majority of hole locations were very difficult. The locations on the first two holes along with nerves probably led to rank of difficulty. The first hole location was back left, and I think alot of bogeys were made there because of players being too conservative and leaving very long first putts. The hole location on #2 was all the way back in the middle of the green, only 5 paces from the back edge, again a location that was difficult to get to because of the fear of hitting it over the green.
#5 played extremely difficult, the flagstick was back right about 15ft from the back edge, it played about 250 yds.
For the good player Pine Valley is definitely a second shot golf course. There is ample room off the tee, but the premium is placed on accurate iron play, specially given the tough hole locations. I drove the ball very well all day, but I made more bogeys than normal because I was too conservative on my approach shots trying to avoid the "disaster areas".
Overall I think the scoring was high for a few reasons...hole locations were difficult, wind was swirling throughout the day, and with 4,000+ spectators roaming around, nerves were a bit on edge.
Scott,
Hole #5 got me good...the hole played as long as it could, the tees were at the back and the flagstick was at the back of the green. I think it played about 250 yards, and the wind was in our face. There were a couple of players who actually hit driver. The first round I hit a great 2 iron to the front middle of the green...my reward for hitting the green...a 60 ft putt uphill with about 8 ft of break....3 putt bogey. The second round, #5 was my 15th hole, I made the cardinal mistake and hit my tee shot down the hill on the right. I was only 4 over to that point before I made a triple bogey 6. Needless to say I was a little hot standing on the 6th tee.
All in all it was the most fun tournament day I have played. It was great playing in front of so many people. I loved hearing the ooh's and ahh's for good drives and the applause for good shots and putts. Pine Valley did a wonderful job as the host and the GAP really rolled out the red carpet for the players and spectators.