Oak Hill makes me appreciate Baltusrol

[Ran Morrissett]

Oak Hill has planted thousands upon thousands of trees since its original architect was there. In addition, it has severely changed/altered/created the 5th, 6th, 15th and 18th holes for the sake of major championship tournaments.

Virtually no club has hosted as many major events as Baltusrol. Yes, they too have planted trees but they have never been anywhere CLOSE to having a tree problem. Importantly, in recent years, they have reversed engines on their trees as well. Yes, Baltusrol has also modified several of its holes but in the case of the 7th, I like it as is. I don't know what was there previously but unlike with the modern 5th and 18th at Oak Hill, I doubt it could have been any better.

Decade in, decade out, Baltusrol hasn't succumbed to radical changes in order to stage important events. They are almost unique in this regard. Also, they are very mindful of their history and of the privilege and responsibility of having two special AWT courses. And for this, I am thankful.

Cheers,

[Patrick_Mucci]

Ran,

I agree, Baltusrol has done very little to their golf course other then tee lengthening in the last 20 years, and the golf course retains a wide open feel.

[Cliff Hamm]

The 7th at Baltusrol has had a couple of changes.  In preperation for the 1967 Open a new tee was added to make it longer and to the right of the old tee to bring the fairway traps more into play.  Subsequently, I believe for the 1993 Open, a fairway trap was added on the right side given increased length of the players.  This has always been among my least favorite holes as it always felt more modern and doesn't seem to fit with the rest of the course.  I would agree that the middle holes have a wide open feel, almost links feel.  

I might add that if Baltusrol narrowed its' fairways and had rough like Oak Hill scores would also be much higher.  If a course is to be rated on its' ability to identify the best golfer Baltusrol has done a great job despite the low scores.

[Dunlop_White]

Its not surprising that Baltusrol has reversed their engines on tree growth as well. Mark Kuhns, their superintendent, had years of experience as the superintendent at Oakmont while they were in the crux of early morning tree management.

[T_MacWood]

What about Pinehurst #2? In a region where trees pop up like weeds that course has kept wide coridors....wider than many of its elderly brothers in the region.