Oakland Hills to vote on restoring Ross

[Ryan Taylor]

Whether or not it passed has nothing to do with them getting a US Open IMO.  It's all whether corporate sponsors will foot the bill in the area post 08'!  The renovation was for the members enjoyment. 

My experience is that it's not all about attracting major championships. Long time and well off members often look at any tournament -- even a major -- as an incredible imposition to the enjoyment of "their" club and club experience.

Are you two saying that they have no interest in hosting another US Open? Do you think they will ever host another US Open with the golf course as is?

[John Kavanaugh]

Doesn't help that the Olympics are a bust.

[Dan Boerger]

Ryan - I have no idea if OH (as a majority) are interested in hosting another US Open. And, let's just assume they are --- I am certainly not sure at what price.

[Eric LeFante]

If you click on the link that Brent posted, it looks like the original course had a number of fairway bunkers and they were removed between 1929 and 1949. The 1949 version looks quite plain.


In my opinion, the proposed restoration would have been different than others (Bethpage Black, Winged Foot, Ridgewood) because those courses changed from the original version over time, and somewhat unintentionally (tree growth, green shrinkage, bunker deterioration). Oakland Hills intended on changing their golf course prior to the 1951 U.S. Open and the course seems like it has remained that way every since and has been carefully maintained that way. There wasn't neglect over the past few decades and this restoration would have fixed unintended consequences. I guess you could say this restoration would have been similar to Pinehurst.   

[corey miller]

Tree growth, green shrinkage, bunker rebuild, mowing lines are generally the most basic of things that need to be done in a restoration IMO. 

I actually take the opposite view than Eric as all these things happened over many years due to neglect (perhaps designed to save money) or downright stupidity such as the planting of trees.

As for what happened in 1951, that was intended and though the course seems to have been maintained well and in the desired style the style itself was not appropriate.  That would seem to entail more work and a higher budget though the $11 million number sounds incredibly high and would seem to be based on getting a USGA event.

[BCowan]

Looking at the aerial for Ross' more authentic version reveals less than 50 bunkers which in and of itself is fine and may well have been a better golf course. But, I would be hard pressed to think it would present the same challenge and be up for another US Open. Perhaps it would be a wonderful Women's US Open venue?


And while RTJ's fairway bunker scheme is totally over the top, it is likely the reason the course is considered so tough? I pose this as a question having never been on property while still knowing the greens are considered to be full of challenge and perhaps the course's most distinguishing feature.


Lastly, the price tag seems extraordinarily steep for essentially removing a ton of bunkers, widening fairways, and removing trees!

You forgot to include Coring out the greens which is expensive.  It still is high.  I foresee them editing out some things and re-voting on it at a later date.  Many times plans take multiple votes to pass.  I think Mother Nature determines the final score on Sunday as in firm conditions yield higher scores IMO. 

[Tom Bacsanyi]

I remain hopeful they do something. I fail to see how the project could cost 11 million without massive earth moving (not likely), or an extraordinary amount of sand capping (overrated). I also fail to see how you couldn't at least start hacking down trees.  In other news, I was browsing this on Golf Course Histories:

http://golfcoursehistories.com/OaklandHills.html

Scroll down for a pretty sweet overhead drawing that looks about perfect as far as a renovation/restoration.  It was drawn by some guy named Ross.

[Mike Schott]

Ryan - I have no idea if OH (as a majority) are interested in hosting another US Open. And, let's just assume they are --- I am certainly not sure at what price.

This was in Tuesday's Detroit Free Press about OH wanting to host another US Open:


http://www.freep.com/story/sports/golf/2016/07/12/oakland-hills-usga-us-amateur/86992756/

[Brent Carlson]

I'm interested in hearing from the architects on here - how do you balance restoring a course to its original plans, while also preparing for an open?  The original drawings show fairway bunkering that is easily carried by professionals with modern equipment.  Do you simply move the bunkering further down the fairway?  The best solution would be to move the tees back however I don't think it's an option in this case.  For the average member this restoration would bring more enjoyment to their round IMO.


Thanks

[Matthew Rose]

#7 looks like it could be a really interesting hole if they had the creek crossing it twice. On the original plan it looks like they piped it under in front of the green.

[Will Lozier]

In other news, I was browsing this on Golf Course Histories:

http://golfcoursehistories.com/OaklandHills.html

Scroll down for a pretty sweet overhead drawing that looks about perfect as far as a renovation/restoration.  It was drawn by some guy named Ross.

Tom,


See Reply #35. It pays to read through a thread before replying.


Cheers

[John Blain]

Renovation was voted down by the members on Monday. I would say the chances of them getting another U.S. Open is now slim and none.


http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/golf/2016/07/12/oakland-hills-set-amateur-hopes-us-open/86990966/

[Ryan Taylor]

Renovation was voted down by the members on Monday. I would say the chances of them getting another U.S. Open is now slim and none.

Do people read the thread before they comment? Is this a new phenomenon? See reply #37.

[BCowan]

Renovation was voted down by the members on Monday. I would say the chances of them getting another U.S. Open is now slim and none.


http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/golf/2016/07/12/oakland-hills-set-amateur-hopes-us-open/86990966/

The renovation has nothing to do with them getting an Open, the Open will come if it comes.  They will wait till after the US AM and vote on a watered down Hanse lite plan (re-grass greens, tree removal, and some widening). 

[Will Lozier]

Renovation was voted down by the members on Monday. I would say the chances of them getting another U.S. Open is now slim and none.

Do people read the thread before they comment? Is this a new phenomenon? See reply #37.

Ryan,


Read Reply #60. 


Cheers