I am content to watch the PGA Tour's best play the Old White course every year and have the winner shoot -20. Further lengthening of the golf course (with one exception: make the 8th about 15 or 20 yards longer if possible) would disrupt the flow of the golf course and intrude too much on the edges of the property, IMHO. The winning score should have no effect on a fan's perception of the quality of the event.
One question: You recommend lengthening the 8th by 15-20 yards. It played 220+ on Sunday, I think, and close to that at least one other day. It actually stood out as one of the only holes that I thought held its own. Why do you suggest adding yardage to just that one?
WW
Wade--
I buy into Phil Mickelson's "make the hard holes harder and the easier holes easier" philosophy for tournament golf. A tee at about 230-235 on number 8 would even further challenge the players and would encourage them to use the kick-in side slopes, as appears to be the idea. Also, it's one of the few spots on the course (in my recollection) where a tee could be built further back without it getting in the way of another hole. As 217, most pros are able to hit a high, soft 4 (!) iron and they don't need the side slope as much.
--Tim
Interesting point. If 8 played a bit longer, perhaps Charles Howell wouldn't have made it through the entire event without making a single bogey!
WW