I managed to catch part of the first round of U.S. Amateur medal play at Common Ground, before heading to the airport to head home at the end of a two-week trip.
Most of the star attractions were playing at Common Ground this afternoon, which was bad luck of the draw as it was very calm this morning but the winds kicked up pretty good this afternoon. Still, the gallery had the class of the field, as Jack and Barbara Nicklaus were out to watch their son Gary, a reinstated amateur. He had only played a few holes before I had to leave, so I didn't get a critique of the course from Jack, but I will write him a nice note and see what he thinks of it.
The best shot I saw all day was from GCA member Andrew Biggadike, a two-bounce approach into the front left hole location on the par-4 16th. I can't imagine there will be many birdies there today. Andrew shot 68, and if he plays as well tomorrow, he should have a good chance to qualify for match play. There were a handful of 65's posted this morning at Common Ground [and one 64 at Cherry Hills], and I would guess those will hold up as the best scores of the day.
Greens were unbelievably firm and about 12 on the Stimpmeter. Even these players had to allow for a 10- to 15-foot first bounce when they hit the green, so even though the hole locations were not tucked, the course was playing pretty tough. About half the field drove it through the green on the 349-yard 8th hole, downwind; a few drove it through the green on the 394-yard 9th, which is also 25 feet uphill. These guys are very good.