Not having been there, (it's a hole that needs to be filled) can someone tell me if this is the original routing? It just seems odd that 16 is sooo far from 15. It seems the putting the last 3 holes of each nine on the other nine would make for a better green-to-tee flow. I.E. 6 to 16 and 15 to 7. Mike D, any thoughts?
I guess this is the reason that I posted the image in the first place. I was having a difficult time putting the correct routing together.
Thanks for visiting all the other interesting tid-bits.
BTW, here is a Google image before Mike D worked his magic.
The image in Reply #9 is from part way through the process -- evidenced by the white ring around the 11th green, which is the restoration of the putting surface going on at the time of the photo. Other greens that were already completed at that time include #5, 1, 17, 12, 2, 8, 10, and 16.
With regards to the routing configuration, they have in the past switched the last 3 holes on each nine. It has been changed back each time for the following reasons:
- 3 par threes on one side
- Having the 9th hole be the final hole. With its designation as the #2 handicap hole, players didn't like having to give a stroke to their opponent on the last hole.
- The perception that the finish is too difficult, with #7 and #9 in the last three holes. In actuality, the 17th is a tough hole also, unless the pin is on the front shelf, which makes it easier to get close to the hole, but still a long par 4. Also, in the college tournament, #18 is usually in the top 5 in scoring average -- I think this is due to the big hitters not knowing quite how to handle a short (363 yards) par four with all that trouble in the landing area and only playing the safe shot to a point for a relatively easy pitch shot. Members really like the 18th and want it for the finish.
- The front side is perceived as the much more demanding side, with the longer par fours in 2, 6, 7, 9, as well as 3 with its uphill nature, coupled with the reachable par 5's of 13 and 15 on the back.
Hope that helps with some of the questions.
Mike