I have sympathy with Paul's outrage at what is being done to both courses to host an Open. On the other hand, not many clubs can let go of the prestige of hosting an Open. I think its a great shame, but almost inevitable that courses will be changed not for the better as some claim (although both courses may turn out better), but to hold an event. Paul mentions reducing par on the 2nd rather than pushing dirt around...couldn't agree more (in fact, why not knock off 3 shots to par and the problem of challenge is solved). The hole is good the way it is, if anything, it should be made wider, not longer....that goes for practically the entire course.
It is obvious there are many (most people) who don't believe there are courses which should be protected. I think this is a mistake and very short-sighted. The problem is, how do we get clubs to understand what they have when they have an original Colt, Dr Mac, Simpson....I always say, its human nature to want to change things and any excuse will do if people are hell bent on the idea of change.
I only hope the changes are so good that I will eventually forget about Valley 5 & 6. That is a tall order for an archie to accomplish.
Ciao
Ciao