I'm sure several viewers on the board an hour ago couldn't help but note Peter and Gary get on their annual incredulity soapbox about the 10th green's contours and size being unfair at these speeds. Their opportunity came courtesy of Cantlay and McDowell's 2nd shots from the greenside.
And to be sure, the green speed debate is a notorious one for all of GCA...
But where is the balance regarding the great features of this (any many holes of this ilk), which are:
- to conquer this hardship, a drive seeking the green complex must come to rest in a very precise range of spots
- that spot can/does change with different hole locations
- "laying up" strategies often permit more spin options to conquer the contour/speed issues.
- a well-"struck" green-side shot, is not the same as a well "played" one, with concurrent good results.
- a golf hole (even a one shotter/Par 3) is a sequence of shots, one decent bash shouldn't open eagles and birdies instantly.
- both players (in this case) ended with a 4.
- these are the best players in the world and the green speeds are brought to a level (announced as 12.5 today) that isn't the normal condition.
- as is the case in so much of golf...don't plan to/hit it there if you're not willing to deal.
Another point; they posted the (since 2003) stat that players who went for it are 606-under and those who laid up are 56 over...which to me makes the case that the hoel is as fair as any at standard tour speeds.
Lastly, while McCord is barred from the Masters, Kostis would never say this mis-footed shit at ANGC, which has several unfair combos of short shot contours to green speeds.
cheers vk