News:

Welcome to the Golf Club Atlas Discussion Group!

Each user is approved by the Golf Club Atlas editorial staff. For any new inquiries, please contact us.


Cory

Could Sand Hills hold a U.S. Open?
« on: February 15, 2004, 11:20:57 AM »
Could Sand Hills hold a U.S. Open?  I realize that this is not ever going to happen.  I think that this goes directly against what the Sand Hills is about.  However, if you took out certain limitations, such as lack of hotels/motels, travel distances to the course and such.  If you weren't worried about the potential damage done to the native grasses, for instance, could this happen?  Is the course of that caliber that it would make a true challenge for the greatest golfers in the world?  Again, I know this goes against the philosophy of the Sand Hills.  Would it be a great test to the best golfers in the world?  

A_Clay_Man

Re:Could Sand Hills hold a U.S. Open?
« Reply #1 on: February 15, 2004, 11:24:42 AM »
Speculating fantasywise, I'd say it would be an open where the unpredictability of nature, would play a bigger role in the magical outcome, than most u.s. opens I can recall.
In that aspect it would rival the open championship.

RJ_Daley

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re:Could Sand Hills hold a U.S. Open?
« Reply #2 on: February 15, 2004, 12:34:42 PM »
Of course in reality, places like Sand Hills or Sutton Bay are outside of the logistical possibility to host a tournament.  

However, both would be very interesting for a "made for TV" match play event where very few on-course spectators would be needed, and only TV crews and the players and caddies would be lodged at the two facilities.  I think a match of two or four competitors, sort of like Woods-Singh and Els-Mickelson or a thing like Woods and one of those guys and Annika vs Wie would be very compelling viewing.
No actual golf rounds were ruined or delayed, nor golf rules broken, in the taking of any photographs that may be displayed by the above forum user.

Tom_Doak

  • Karma: +3/-1
Re:Could Sand Hills hold a U.S. Open?
« Reply #3 on: February 15, 2004, 04:10:18 PM »
It would be a lot better for something like the Ryder Cup, if they really wanted to have an event, which I don't think they do.

The course has a lot of features that are pretty severe for medal play.  It's also severely windy at times and that could wreak havoc with the scores, if they had to go out and play when the wind was howling.  How do you think the USGA would react when balls started blowing off the first green?

Brad Swanson

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re:Could Sand Hills hold a U.S. Open?
« Reply #4 on: February 15, 2004, 07:21:42 PM »
Even if it could, let's hope it never happens, otherwise it would have to be Reestored and ruined in the process.  ;)

Cheers,
Brad Swanson

David Kelly

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re:Could Sand Hills hold a U.S. Open?
« Reply #5 on: February 15, 2004, 07:36:37 PM »
I wouldn't want Sand Hills sullied by the Tour's presence.
"Whatever in creation exists without my knowledge exists without my consent." - Judge Holden, Blood Meridian.

Gary_Smith

Re:Could Sand Hills hold a U.S. Open?
« Reply #6 on: February 15, 2004, 11:20:07 PM »
The Walker Cup would be the best fit for Sand Hills, in terms of both spirit and logistics.