So glad that Ran was able to get out to Glens Falls. It was one of the highlights of my 2014 season, and I loved the big & bold elevation changes. A few years earlier, I had fallen in love with the rolling topography at CC of Troy, but felt the course lacked the meat to require use of the full set of clubs. I described Glens Falls as CC of Troy on steroids.
"Though the author lives in the Southern Pines/Pinehurst area, even he acknowledges the overwhelmingly superior advantage and allure of the Northeast’s tumbling topography."
Looks like Ran understands why I will always be a bit of an "elevation whore" (to borrow a phrase from other threads). The variety of challenges, whether it be uneven lies, blindness, distance judgment, etc. will always draw me in more than a strategically placed hazard on a benign piece of land. While I may appreciate the latter, the former will always inspire a more passionate response. From the moment we pulled in, I knew this was going to be a course I would love.
The stretch of holes from 6 - 12 was one of the most dramatic I played that year. For that matter, 1-12 were all phenomenal, with #5 as the only "breather" in there (the green notwithstanding). Holes 13-15 almost felt like a letdown, but I think that's more a function of the preceding dramatic stretch. I'd probably appreciate the subtlety of these holes upon more plays, but their memory was a little fuzzier.
I agree with Adam that the rebuilt 16th green fit in nicely with the theme and feel of the course. You could tell that it was different, but still enjoyed the playability.
Like Ron, I'd disagree with Mr Brown about 17 being the clear best par four. As I finished experimenting with various shots on #6 green, Ron had run ahead to shoot pictures and yelled down "this is going to be one of your favorite holes of all time." He was right. As much as Ran appreciated the tree removal on #2, I saw a "before" photo" of #7, and the difference was remarkable. The removal of trees on the left amplified the siren call to hit driver, and obscured the danger of a pulled tee shot.