Doak Questions about Interlachen
1. I think it's fair to make some comparisons to the architect's other courses, as long as you say WHY the Redan at Chicago is better or worse than another. (Holes-in-one do not count.)
It is difficult for me to put my finger on it, but Interlachen feels quite different from other Ross courses I have played. Perhaps it is the Watson original design that has that influence. Ross is known for high tee, low fairway, high green holes. Interlachen has many holes that follow that formula but the uphill nature of the approaches is more extreme than I have experienced elsewhere.
There is also something unique about the length of holes. There are a large number of holes in the 360 yard range that place severe demands on pitches into the green.
2. Everyone should include the hole they like the least and why.
I really do not like the 18th, despite its history. With modern green speeds, the hole requires a bank shot from the back left part of the green to hold it. Long is death. Short is rough covered and shots landing on a large portion of the green have no chance to stay there.
3. Everyone should say which hole they think is the most underrated and why. (A vote on the best hole is much less interesting.)
I am a huge fan of 15 which is a downhill hole of 400 yards or so. A 3 wood leaves a flat lie and a shot of 150 or so. If you want a wedge in you need to squeeze the tee shot into a tight spot. The green slopes significantly providing added incentive to be aggressive off the tee.
4. Everyone should feel free to discuss what they think has been changed for the worse and why;
As discussed above, I am not certain I like 11 as a par 4 better than 11 as a short par 5. Overall, the course has dramatically improved with the work of (I believe) Brian Silva.