The OGA visited Gearhart Golf Links Tuesday and Wednesday for the Women's Stroke Play and Men's Super-Senior (65+). Wind was down, variable less than 10mph. The women's champ was even and the super-senior champ was +4, even at 6000 yds. I'm guessing that greens stimping at 12 rather than their usual 8-9 had a great deal to do with scoring.
I played, finishing in the lower half, and was impressed with the changes. The 4th green area was regarded and a new green built, much better than the old one set in a narrow fold. 6, 14 and 15 have a new look. 6 is now a dogleg right,
14 has had it's green moved left and elevated in a newly formed bench in the long dune. Bunkering is much improved, both in quality, quantity and positioning. As a result, even with the greens at grade, small and circular, the placement of the drive is influenced by bunkering. There is a number of high fescue areas that impede the bomb and gougers.
The 18th is still a strong finisher.
It is definitely a links course, but the summer coloring wasn't apparent. Author's note: When I was in my 20s, the course was watered on tees, greens and the #1 fairway, and I was disappointed when I was above the mid 70s. That is no longer the case.
If you are on the north Oregon coast, stop by for a enjoyable round. They also have a good hotel and McMenamin's has the diining covered.