George:
Thanks for your candor on the 8th if played from the 153 yard boxes.
The usage of elevated tees is often done to provide the golfer with both added visibility and for the extra sense of power / control that comes from such perch-like tees. George, you are really the odd man out when you assess elevated tees - nearly all high handicap players that I have ever seen or talked to usually likes them for the elements I just mentioned.
I don't doubt there needs to be an adjustment made when playing from such areas because the effect on yardages / carries, etc, etc.
You made a case against Wolf Creek as not being "fun quirk" but I dare say that should you play across the pond you would be playing courses with quirk of a similar kind -- albeit without the cart rides. No doubt not every hole would feature tees planted high above the ground below but ones that would require a high degree of skill and be quick to punish those who do less than what is required.
One of my arguments about quirk is that American players give it broad license for their quick trips to such places -- when they are located in places like Ireland, Scotland, etc, etc. Places those same places here in the States and it's likely you and others would pan them as being out of touch.
A great example is both the Klondyke and Dell Holes at Lahinch. Take the Ireland tagline out of the address book and slap on one from Mesquite, NV and many people quickly leap from the pro to the con side.
One other thing -- "fun quirk" presumes some form of fairness and an avoidance of randomness. I see quirk as being a random situation which means no matter the skill factor employed there is a good chance for an odd bounce or some such other accident waiting to happen. I chuckle because people who play overseas readily accept such situations but when back in the States they see such similar situations as badly contrived.
Final note on Wolf Creek -- you lobbed the word "fun" in your assessment but at no time did you say anything at Wolf Creek was "unfair."
I have to add this -- Oakmont is not considered "fun" by many people -- including myself -- but I would not call the course "unfair." See what I mean ...
Just a few quick things:
- I believe I did stress that it wasn't fun quirk
for me - I'm well aware that my tastes are probably a bit odd. I guess many high handicappers may like the highly elevated tees, but I sure don't. Again, I believe they place for more emphasis on experience than imagination or execution.
- I wouldn't say WC is unfair, just not my cup of tea. The only thing I try to emphasize to folks who haven't been there is to be aware of what you're getting into. In my case, I was going no matter what - it was my bachelor party weekend and my overly generous friends made all the arrangements. But I do believe it's worthwhile for posters to take note of instances in which they agree with certain posters, and then paying attention to what they post otherwise. For instance, if you told me a course was a long, difficult course, especially tee to green, I'd know if likely isn't a course for me. If someone else said that, perhaps someone not known for playing the long ball, it would likely have a different impact upon me.
- Lastly, I am admittedly someone who places a great deal of importance on the natural appearance of a course. As such, little desert golf is appealing to me, but WC is especially not so. I flat out don't get the folks who think it is beautiful or picturesque; to me, it's a sore thumb. Again, I am fully aware that this is my own personal bias.