Going Up - Tees

[Patrick_Mucci]

Has anyone noticed a propensity for clubs undertaking
renovations, restorations or modernizations to elevate their tees ?

Even in areas where drainage is not a problem.

Is the elevated tee a trend gaining increased popularity ?

Are any new holes designed and constructed that are at the same elevation as the nearby land ?

Do most architectects, today, favor creating elevated tees so that the golfer can see everything in front of them ?

[Bill_McBride]

I think that creating elevated tees so all the holes play downhill is a real hallmark of Nicklaus courses.  But it's a bear (no pun intended) if you're walking!

I haven't seen this in person or in photos, but understand that the new elevated tee on #4 at Oakmont sticks out like a sore thumb.  Anyone have a photo?  I think Tom Paul posted on this a while back.  Since absolutely nothing else sticks out like a sore thumb at Oakmont, this can't be a good thing!

There was also a new extremely elevated tee at Lakeside Olympic which Kevin Reilley pointed out to me in March.  The need to lengthen holes to keep up with distance increases is going to have to cause a lot of artificial looking elevated tees.  Aaargh!!

[Tommy_Naccarato]

In elevating tees, what the Volunteer Architect achieves is ripping the golfer off from being challenged by deception as intended on those old classic holes which he is so unwisely remodeling. Boosting the golfer up high in the air so he can see all in front of him presents the option to completely see all in front of him, thus allowing him to take his 984-007Kboom Titless driver out and bomb it to kingdom come, and even further putting out of mind all of the sport of using the lands natural features of which was provided.

It isn't any simpler then that.

Please...I beg you, please, anyone from the Fazio office that might be lurking, PLEASE print this up and drop it into Tom Marzaltov's In Box before he builds another one.