The 9th at Chicago Highlands is a very fun hole. I would be very curious to hear about what % of players actually go for the green off the tee vs. laying up short and at the bottom of a hill leaving a full shot in. The course was in very firm and fast condition when I was there with Paul R., which led me to believe that a full shot to such a small and hard target very difficult and I thought that most players would be better off getting as close as possible and chipping/pitching their shots onto the green.
Pat, I played CH in a Charity scramble last month with three very serious players. I was the only member of my foursome that hadn't played in the US MidAm. We smoked the field, and had a lot of fun in doing so, and everyone really enjoyed the course - but it was #9 that I was excited to reach with this group. Each of them had the length and skill to find the green. All three tried, and none could get it done. Conditions were terrific, but there was no real wind (the 2nd time I've had no wind out there, which is surprising).
1. The long hitter flew the green; 2. The shortest of the "ringers" found the trap; and 3. The best of the three hit the green, and bounced left. It was interesting to see three different shots attempted at the same time by skilled players. I love the hole, but am not entirely sure that without a headwind that green can be held. As you know, but some may not, the greens are in tremendous condition, and are quite firm...