Can you guys comment on the tall fescue? It looks fantastic, does it come into play on a regular basis? If yes, does that slow play and makes recovery quite difficult?
I ask because there is a movement to add this to my course.
Over my years visiting Ballyhack, the severity of the fescue has varied quite a bit. Part of that may have been normal seasonal variation, while some of the variation may have been maintenance decisions. From discussions with staff & members, the less-severe version this year was intended, and was quite noticeable to me.
The severity of the native areas is one factor at Ballyhack that tends to command a disproportionate amount of attention. When it is at its most severe, it can blind players to many of the features & options of the course. One of the George Cup participants this year commented that their initial impression of the course last year was that the course was a bit one-dimensional and penal. After seeing the course in a less-severe state this year, he fully appreciated the variety, strategy & plain fun of the course. The fairways likely were just as wide each year, but the absolute punishment in the past could be overwhelming.
To me, this is a bit of a shame, because I think so highly of the design at Ballyhack. In terms of variety, strategy, memorability, aesthetics and fun, Ballyhack is in rarefied air, with only Merion giving it a contest from my experience. When those factors are clouded by peripheral considerations like lost-ball rough and native areas, it is a shame.
In my mind, Ballyhack would still be incredibly challenging even if all the native areas were lowered to 2-3 inch rough, similar to what lies in the vast areas between holes at Merion. The severe slopes provide plenty of challenge, with the slopes of the greens and soft sand bunkers making sure no one would get a free ride.
When I first played the course in 2010, the native areas hadn't yet grown in, and it was the best playing experience of my life. I'm not sure if that type of playing condition is feasible given maintenance restraints and maturity of the course, but there's no doubt the native areas cloud the overall perception of an amazing design.