It's Shinnecock in 2018

[Mark Johnson]

I wouldn't agree that it was a "logistical nightmare".  In fact, I thought it worked pretty well with the LIRR train setup that they had going.  It's only a logistical nightmare for those who insist on driving.

I guess my point was that they sold fewer Open tix to that open than any other in recent memory, leaving a ton of $$ on the table.   I heard that they needed to find some way to get more people out there in order to host again.

[jeffwarne]

I wouldn't agree that it was a "logistical nightmare".  In fact, I thought it worked pretty well with the LIRR train setup that they had going.  It's only a logistical nightmare for those who insist on driving.

I guess my point was that they sold fewer Open tix to that open than any other in recent memory, leaving a ton of $$ on the table.   I heard that they needed to find some way to get more people out there in order to host again.

I went 7 dyas in a row in 2004, sometimes for as little as an hour and a half.
Not a logistical nightmare, although I did have certain advantages.
Who cares if they leave some "money on the table?"

Bethpage was a logistical nightmare-esp. by train

[jkinney]

Playing at a par of 70 with 400 yds. added for a total of 7,400 yds., Shinny will shrug off anything the pros throw at it in 2018. Remember that there were only three players under par in '86, '95 and '04 combined. IMO Shiiny is the best pure and fair test of golf in the world. Can't wait !

[Kalen Braley]

Playing at a par of 70 with 400 yds. added for a total of 7,400 yds., Shinny will shrug off anything the pros throw at it in 2018. Remember that there were only three players under par in '86, '95 and '04 combined. IMO Shiiny is the best pure and fair test of golf in the world. Can't wait !

The way things are going...in 7 years, 400 yard par 4s will be widely regarded as "potentially" driveable for a big chuck of the pros.  That 7400 yards will play like 7000 yards.

[jkinney]

Kalen - You're probably correct, but at least what you're saying is being anticipated. Again, at today's distance only 3 pros were under par over 3 Opens. By the way, the coolest addition to the extra 400 yards needed is a double tee for #10 & # 14 where the practice putting green now sits above the 9th green.

[Keith OHalloran]

JKinney,
How long would those holes play from that new tee?

[jkinney]

#10 will go from 410 to about 450 yds. #14 will go from 447 to about 487 yds. The effective difference on #10 will be tremendous because it will take away driving down into the valley. The new tee on #14 will sit well above the current one and so may only add a net 25 yds. On Sunday in 2004, the final group of Goosen & Els hit 2 & 3 irons off both the 10th & 14 tees - down into the valley on #10 and within 8-9 iron range on #14.

[Brad Swanson]

#10 will go from 410 to about 450 yds. #14 will go from 447 to about 487 yds. The effective difference on #10 will be tremendous because it will take away driving down into the valley. The new tee on #14 will sit well above the current one and so may only add a net 25 yds. On Sunday in 2004, the final group of Goosen & Els hit 2 & 3 irons off both the 10th & 14 tees - down into the valley on #10 and within 8-9 iron range on #14.

This will have to be a creative (or very destructive) modification.  IIRC, the tips I played from were hard against a building or road or something, with the clubhouse not far behind.  At 410 yds as it is, its quite short considering the run-out from the slope in the fairway.  I recall driving to the bottom of the slope and having roughly 70 or so yards left in (granted, its a butt-puckering 70 yds, but still).

Brad

[Keith OHalloran]

JKinney,
Those are interesting changes on both holes. On 14, it is interesting because as a mere mortal, it is hard to believe that the hole needs extra yardage.
On 10, I am intrested, because I thought that the pros that hit to the bottom of the hill on the drive had a harder time holding the green, especially to the front pin location. I would think that keeping the option open would be a good thing, especially if the pros can't help themselves.

[jkinney]

The current practice putting green just off the clubhouse will be replaced by these new tees. Therefore, the 10th tee will be on the clubhouse side of Tuckahoe Road and 20 yds. or so left of the current line. Use of a driver or 3 wood to get down into the valley will still be possible, but the opening is so narrow that few will see any percentage in it. As to the difficulty in holding the green with an approach from the valley - that totally depends on whether one has a downhill (further back) or uphill (closer to the green) lie, with the uphill lie being much easier.