My guess is the greens were built in the 1950's or early 60's.
and I am guessing this is the course that Mike grew up on? Interested to hear your reflections if this is accurate.
Correct. In order, these are the 8th (440 yards), 5th (502 yards) and 2nd (191 yards) greens at Rolling Hills Country club in rural West Tennessee where I learned the game and won the men's championship twice while in high school. The 9 hole course opened in 1970. I remember monthly dues of $15. I believe they're $85 today.
I returned last weekend for the first time in over 25 years and found the course much as I remembered it, with the exception of unfortunate tree plantings and some grassed over greenside bunkers. It confirmed my belief that the green pads are exceptional and my theory that there is great architecture to be found in the most unlikely of places, albeit in limited doses.
I was tempted to forward these photographs to Sean and have him introduce them just for fun.
If okay, I'd like to post a tour of the course. I cannot begin to describe the emotional connection I have with this place.
Bogey