"restoration, renovation, restoration, and redesign" Is there someplace where the golf gods have definitively defined each of these terms so that they can be fairly applied in practice?
I did hear that the 7th green was moved 40-50 yards back to a place much nearer a creek, so that is definitely a redesign. Restoration implies the course is restored to its original form. I don't know the history of the course, but I'd guess the changes were mostly a restoration, but also involved some changes in mowing lines.
That is interesting. I would think the TD would approve of the re-worked green edge runoffs that played such a critical role in how the players could safely approach most of the pins. We saw so many shots that landed on the wrong side roll all the way down steep slopes. Whether you like that or not, it would seem to justify a change in rating, no?
It's not clear to me whether the ball rolling off steep slopes is due to a structural change or just that the grass has been mowed close. I'm guessing the latter is true in most cases.
One thing about Southern Hills. It sure makes players bend the ball both ways off the tee. On the 18th hole, they are often required to hit a sharp fade with a mid-iron, which I think is very difficult. And Nick Zalatoris and Justin Thomas both make these plays rather effortlessly. It's really impressive.
It may seem I'm knocking Southern Hills. For the record, now that the PGA plays in May, it has to be the best venue for a major tournament in that region of the country, isn't it?
Finally, Justin Thomas played beautifully yesterday, didn't he? He was really locked in. It was a great comeback win.