Rumor has it that pressure is being exerted at Winged Foot to disfigure the first green on the West course and possibly others in order to accomodate another U.S. Open.
Having putted on the first green recently when the green was at 13, I have to admit that some interesting, strategic hole locations were eliminated due to the high speeds.
I'm sure the same is true on other greens at Winged Foot.
But, why ruin the very essence, the unusual character of the golf course for just four days, once every decade or so, for a bunch of transient out of towners/non-members, irrespective of how well they play golf ?
I believe the previous U.S. Open had the greens stimping at about 9.
Why the need to speed them up to 10, 11, 12 or 13 ?
What's the point when it comes at the expense of ripping up and destroying absolutely phenomenal greens.
Greens that the members and their guests have enjoyed for decades and decades.
Arthur Webber crafted a treatise coralating slope and green speed.
As green speeds are increased to double digits, greens must be flattened to accomodate hole locations, deprived of their unique contouring, contouring that gives them character, they become bland, absent true uniqueness.
Why on earth would a club consider disfiguring their course's greatest asset, the character and uniqueness of their greens.
And, this assault on creativity and character doesn't reside solely in Mamaroneck, NY.
Rumor has it that Ardmore, PA may suffer a similar fate.
If Merion and Winged Foot fall victim to this insanity, who will be next, Shinnecock ?
Will this process continue until all Open venues have greens that resemble table tops ?
What imbiciles are responsible for these attacks on creative architecture ?