Restorations/renovations that worked

[John Blain]

Oak Hill's east course certainly deserves to be in the mix. Andrew Green and his team did an incredible job not just with the much needed tree removal but also with getting rid of the damage Fazio did back in the late 70's. The three new holes are outstanding and look like they have been there forever. I don't know anyone who has played the course and not raved about it.

[Jeff Taylor]

Rolling Road in Maryland got some extensive bunker work, some detail work on fairway shaping, and added some tee boxes.
Given the small footprint of the property, I have to say that the work is exceptional.


https://pbase.com/jstaylor/rolling_road

Jeff,  I randomly happened to see your photos last week (you must have just posted them).  Great job!  I'm a member there, and I'll tell you that everyone is thrilled with the work.  The plan was to restore Willie Park's design elements, toughen the course for low handicappers and remove needless irritations for guys like me.  The big surprise was just how aesthetically pleasing the whole project turned out to be.

Britt,
Thank you for the kind response. Interesting that you came across my photos. Do you frequent pbase? Regardless, Rolling Road is interesting because my respect for it has greatly increased over the years. It's similar to viewing a great movie or listening to a great piece of music. It must be experienced several times in order to get it.
My former boss is a member and he invites me out a few times per year. Last year we were viewing the topo map pf the proposed new golf course. I made my sadness for the move clear to him. He didn't quite get why. I told him that RR was museum piece that required a custodian / caretaker, not an undertaker. I was pleasantly surprised when he shared the news about the saving of RR and that I might no recognize it next time I see it. Of course, I told him that I was bringing several cameras for our upcoming round. The images speak for themselves. I only wish it wasn't misting and the light was more helpful.
I love the work and it is especially pleasing to the eye. I am most interested in learning about what was taken out that you think is a positive. I will guess one item might be the cross bunker on 18.
Cheers,
JT

[Joe_Tucholski]

A serious question:


If a course is primarily about site, routing, green contours and hazard placement, why are all these restorations having SUCH a difference on the way these courses are getting evaluated.


Taking all of these transformations mentioned in earlier posts, which of the four elements above have had so much significant change that it changes a course from a dog to a world beater?

Ally that's what I was trying to get at when saying Pinehurst #8 was closing for the summer next year and the primary objective is to return the firmness of the turf.  Not sure why they aren't touting it as a renovation or restoration (maybe some sort of agreement with Fazio).  I would imagine they'll move some bunkers and tees.


I've only played one of the courses Tommy mentioned, USNA.  It was a good course but pretty soft and slow.  I haven't played it since it's re-opened but I assume the primary changes are going to be with the turf.


Admittedly I do think the firmer turf allows the architecture to shine.  It doesn't really matter what direction the fairway and green tilt or where little bumps are if the ground is soft such that shot just kind of settles like a bean bag.  Good turf has a distinct thud when dropping a ball on it, even if the greens aren't rolling incredibly fast. 


If you took many of the courses in the UK and set them in the US with clay or silt turf would they be as revered?