Changes at Saunton East

[Nigel_Walton]

Saunton, a fine links in many respects, has been criticised for the lack of a long par 5. The members agreed and authorized the lengthening of the 2nd hole. Interestingly, they decided to move the green back, rather than the tee. For turf, they originally considered moving the green, but elected to use the practice green instead.

Many US courses will apparently build one or two new greens that will have playing characteristics that differ from the rest of the course for many years to come. Why build a fresh green when there are alternatives, such as the one chosen at Saunton, that will give a much higher probability of consistency throughout?

[NAF]

Nigel,

I played Saunton this past June..

The opener is such a tough hole and if I remember is longer than the 2nd which I thought was a short par 5.. My guess was #2 was a par 4 for competitions anyway.  I would think this will make a par 4.5 now more like a par 5.. But I never like to see greens moved.  I wonder who will do the work since Frank Pennick is long gone?  Donald Steel?

[Pete Lavallee]

Construction had started when I played there in Sept. The new green will be back and to the left of the old one. The old hole was truely no longer a threat to take three shots, as even I (GCA's shortest hitter) got to the fringe with driver, 2 iron. I don't think there was much room behind the tee to provide the length they needed. The new greensite will make the hole more of a dogleg left, it seemed like the right thing to do to me. As NAF said the first played much longer. They have made a few changes to the links, as they will be hosting the British Senior Open soon.

[Paul_Turner]

I hope they do a better job than the recent work on the 17th and 18th which are now all smooth curves and stick out from the rest of the course.

[Pete Lavallee]

Here's a photo of the 17th



and the 18th (sorry no photos of the work on 2).