I like Garland’s edgy attitude. When I got screwed at 14 BT, I didn’t hit the shots. When I played it again, after the softening, I think, I did hit the shots and made a par. I don’t consider myself a low or high handicap golfer. Average hack seems about right. I’ve shot par; I’ve failed to break 100. I think Garland nailed it in that average golfers don’t tend to blame the design of a hole as much as their own limitations as golfers. We suck, OK, let’s play the next one.
The last time I played 14 BT, I played with the guy who shaped the green complex. I wish I could remember what he said about the thinking that went into the design. I do remember him being keenly aware of the criticism of the hole. And that they were very aware of how controversial the design might be when they were building it. They knew they were pushing the envelope for a public golf course. Isn’t that what a great risk/reward, short par-4 is all about?
For me, it just looked like such an utterly cool hole that I couldn’t wait to play it. I hit the tee shot I intended and got a good result. Had I screwed up, it wouldn’t have mitigated the excitement and anticipation I felt on the tee. It demanded great execution from my mediocre game. I got the rare pleasure pulling it off. I get to play mediocre holes with my mediocre game all the time. Don’t deprive me, the average hack, vivid moments from my highlight reel. Great hole, leave it alone.
Oh, Hi Bill, you are not wrong. I had the pleasure of playing with you at Bandon on that trip you describe in 2010. We just get and take different things from golf. You can play, so you expect to play well. I can’t, so, WTF, have some fun. We didn’t play Trails together, but that was my first go at BT. It was so much more than I expected, such a beautiful course, it will always be one of my favorites. I love them all. It’s only gotten better since. Last time, The Preserve was all sand and dozer-tread marks. Still, it shrieked fun golf.