I hadn't been here since I was 8 or 9, but wow, there were some excellent holes. 2 and 7 are excellent uphill par-4s with terrific cross bunkers. In fact the cross bunkers, green contours and tilts and par-5s were all excellent. The par-5 4th hole was my favorite. Great diagonal series of bunkers. There were several great false fronts, (like 4 and 5). I liked the "Short" at number 12.
I was disappointed only twice - 9 (a severely uphill and narrow par-3) and 14 a way to short and defenseless par 4. The cross bunker was out of play even for me. If they moved up the teeb box and built a swale, they could make it a Biarritz and turn some connective tissue into a great hole.
I also wish they'd cut down the trees behind 17 so we could see the lake, but the rest of the way was outstanding.
Are either 2 or 7 an Alps? 7 sure seems like it. 18 is a great finisher - a cape hole with an Eden bunker behind the green and an open view of the lake and hotel. Boy, Emmet sure knew how to build a great 18th hole! Garden City and now this. Wow.
I had a fantastic time - great architecture, a beautiful setting, some great history and a terrific architect. We should have a GCA day here.
I'll post pics soon.
Questions...what do you all think of the drop shot short? Are 2 or 7 an alps?
Which nine was built in 1909 and which 9 was built in 1919?