Southampton GC hired a new super last year and the changes with regard to green expansion, incorporation of chipping areas in green surrounds and maintenace practices which have restored the firmness not only to the greens but in the entry ways to the greens have been dramatic.
Many of the areas around greenside bunkers have been shaved down in a similar manner to those of surroundings found at NGLA and Shinnecock allowing the presnt contours to send your ball to a slow death if slightly mishit.
Greens always were considered the best in the Hamptons until about 15 years ago and have now been firmed up to even better standards than before and have been playing with the same challenge found at its more famous neighbors.
What a difference a year makes.
I now look forward to playing here as much as any other course in our area and, in most cases, even moreso.
Restoration of the bunkering is always a topic of discussion and several recent informal course architecture meetings of about 50 members have presented aerials from '38, '47. '60, '68 and included walking tours of the course pointing out the changes made over the years and proposals for restoration. Brian Silva also drew up a master plan for the club to follow once approval has been made by the membership as a whole.