Which of the major venues....

[Mark_Rowlinson]

....has the least inspiring architecture in your opinion? Forget the views, the scores achieved or the fantastic deeds of the competitors. Just consider the architecture. Please explain your reasons.

[David_Tepper]

I believe Brad Klein (in Rough Meditations) has nominated the Olympic Club Lake Course for that distinction. 

[jonathan_becker]

....has the least inspiring architecture in your opinion? Forget the views, the scores achieved or the fantastic deeds of the competitors. Just consider the architecture. Please explain your reasons.

Even though they haven't had a major there for 30 some years, I nominate Firestone South.  I really like the course and a co-worker of mine is a member there and I can play there when I want.  But, the fact that 16 of the holes run in the same direction and the fact that they need a tree trimmimg like no other is why I chose FS.  

It's just very boring and you can hit the fws and not have a shot into the green.  It's not like Harbour Town where you have to work the ball a little to get an opening, but some spots are just unfair because of the severe tree canopy.  Pretty soon, you're gonna have to pitch out sideways if you miss the fw.

[Will MacEwen]

I think it was largely a function of the course set up, but Oak Hill in 2003 was a downer.

[Garland Bayley]

Medinah

[jonathan_becker]

Medinah

I agree with this.  Don't get me wrong, I would love to play there, but I find the course extremely boring to watch on television.  Maybe it's because the par 3s over the lakes seem out of place with the rest of the course....or because I can never seem to remember any of the holes except #18.  They all seem to run together in my mind.

[Niall C]

....has the least inspiring architecture in your opinion? Forget the views, the scores achieved or the fantastic deeds of the competitors. Just consider the architecture. Please explain your reasons.

Even though they haven't had a major there for 30 some years, I nominate Firestone South.  I really like the course and a co-worker of mine is a member there and I can play there when I want.  But, the fact that 16 of the holes run in the same direction and the fact that they need a tree trimmimg like no other is why I chose FS.  

It's just very boring and you can hit the fws and not have a shot into the green.  It's not like Harbour Town where you have to work the ball a little to get an opening, but some spots are just unfair because of the severe tree canopy.  Pretty soon, you're gonna have to pitch out sideways if you miss the fw.

Jonathon

I can only assume that the other two holes at Firestone are very long indeed, either that or theres one clubhouse for teeing off and another for finishing.

Niall

[jonathan_becker]

Niall,

Haha, my bad.  I meant 16 of the holes run parallel to one another.

 

[Jud_T]

Valhalla, Kemper Lakes, Firestone, Torrey Pines, Onwentsia

[Tim Leahy]

Oakland Hills bored me to tears.