The 16th vs the 10th, how do they compare?

[John Kavanaugh]

While I never agreed most people have felt for quite sometime that the 10th is too severe and needs quieted down. Is the 16th the answer or is it even in the conversation?

[Jim Sherma]

I certainly think the tenth is fine unless the greens are running too fast and they lose the interesting pin placements. The 16th may appeal to some but isn't likely in the conversation for most.

[Matt_Cohn]

Huh?

[Peter Pallotta]

I was confused too, Matt, but now I think I understand.

No, John, the 16th is definitely not the answer.  The 16th is *never* the answer. There are fewer truly great 16th holes in the world than any other hole on the golf course, save for the 1st hole.

[Matt_Cohn]

I was confused too, Matt, but now I think I understand.

Feel free to explain.

[Peter Pallotta]

Um...well, actually...I lied. I'm still confused. But I took a shot -- damn it, Jim, at least I took a shot!

[Matthew Mollica]

The 16th hole at the Rio Olympics course gents...

[Ronald Montesano]

how can we be discussing "for quite some time" the Rio Olympics course that we saw last week for the first time?


this is as silly a title and discussion as those other ones we used to see. why people combine snarky with cute is beyond me.

[John Kavanaugh]

If you don't know what this thread is about you haven't been paying enough attention to have an opinion that matters.

[BCowan]

Jkava,

    You sure your not talking about 16 and 12?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceuIz7dMA8Q

[John Kavanaugh]

We have known for quite some time that the Olympic Course would have a homage to the 10th at Riviera. Amy Alcott, one of the finest Athlete Ambassadors any sport has ever known and the girl who put Riviera on the radar for a generation of women, is on the design team. It's an exciting architectural challenge worth discussion.


Does the 16th at the Olympic Course answer the problems currently at the Riviera's 10th so often highlighted by Shackelford and Co on his blog? If not, why not?

[Bob Montle]

this is as silly a title and discussion as those other ones we used to see. why people combine snarky with cute is beyond me.

Now Ron, don't be snarky...

[Matthew Mollica]

JK suggested in the opening post that for quite some time people have expressed a notion that Riv #10 is too severe. He's contrasting that with the 16th at Rio's Olympic course. I think it's a good thread, and an interesting, timely question.


Those unfamiliar with Hanse's 16th in Rio can lean more here - http://www.golfchannel.com/media/olympics-tee-green-hole-16/


Both are short fours, with loads of room off the tee. Both feature canted greens with some internal contour. Rio's 16th is only bunkered on one side of the green, yet that bunker is a severe hazard. Play into and around the green on Rio's 16th may be less prescriptive than we see at Riv's tenth in it's current mode of presentation. Hence John's thread.


Mike Clayton, on the ground in Rio this week, and caddying for a competitor in the Women's event, has suggested the hole is excellent. Easy to see why...


Matthew


P.S. - Truly great 16th holes? Cypress Point, Merion (East) both courses at Royal Melbourne, NGLA & TOC seem to handle the task OK