In My Opinion - article no. 2 is posted

[Ran Morrissett]

George Blunt, one of the few members at Royal Sydney who is under hundred years old and has been senile for less than two years, was kind enough to give a glowing tribute of his home course before it hosts the Australian Open.For any of you yanks who will be watching it, hopefully George's article will further enhance the viewing. RS is one of only three courses in the state of New South Wales that a visitor from overseas should/must play (the other two are NSWGC and Newcastle), so everyone be nice to George.

[John Morrissett]

George--Terrific column.I've just finished watching the second round, and I assume that that breeze toward the end of the day is the proper way to play the course?  As David Eger would say, wind and gravity appear to be the course's main defenses -- and there is nothing at all wrong with that!  The bunkering looks very good, but it does not hit you over the head visually as it does with so many of the snadbelt courses.  In fact, the interesting shots around the greens (somewhat similar to Pinehurst No. 2) make me wonder that Royal Sydney would be what Royal Melbourne (West) would be if there were fewer bunkers at RM.Ran-- again, thanks for not arranging for me to play RS on my one visit four years ago.In a totally unrelated question: George, to what address should I send your Christmas card?

[John Sessions]

The thing I have noticed is that recovering from the bunkers looks problematical - over the years, a high bank of sand has built up (as can only happen on old courses) and the pros have real trouble saving shots around the green.Coversely, if the wind doesn't blow, they hit a lot of greens, so if the wind blows, ... watch out. George, is that right?

[Bob Ellington]

George,What exactly did Mackenzie do when he was there? The first photo looks like bunkers Mackenzie would be proud of. Do you call it a Mackenzie course?Thank you.BobPS Ran & John - this "opinion" column is a very good new addition to the site. Keep up the good work.

[Ran Morrissett]

George will answer any and all questions in about ten hours time when he returns from the third round at RS - he is presently on their verandah shovelling food down his face in preparartion for what should be a big day.The wind over the night was gusting up to 35mph and it is just now starting to spit rain. It could be a blood bath out there for round three of The Australian Open after the beign conditions of the first two days.By the way, George has been very prescient in his remarks - yesterday, Norman bogeyed the 7th (reachable par five),8th (300 yarder), and 9th (360 yarder). All those holes are potential "birdie" holes, yet they can un-stick the very, very best. What a great feature.

[John Morrissett]

George--I am currently enjoying the third round on the Golf Channel.The first hole looks neat, neat, neat.  I had not expected the tee to be so elevated.  It almost looks as though the players might hit the flowers just in front of the tee, though!  One question: what is the story with the weeds in front of the 1st green???

[George Blunt]

Here I am, drinking red wine with Ran after a full day's viewing at the Aus Open, and enjoying the bonhomie of Le-Arne's cooking, and Ran puts on John Denver, so please excuse  the quality of the responses to your  questions. To John M: RS is definitely a better course for the bunkers that have been removed over the years. The strategic course of today is far more appealing than the course of 365 plus bunkers of yesteryear.As to comparisons with Pinehurst, you are far too complimentary. RS is a great placement  course (in my opinon) but Pinehurst is that next level of challenge due to its intricate green complexes which few coures can rival. (Ran's Comment, I have newver played Pinehurst)To John S:  I agree, the recovery shots from  the bunkers are problematical, and the build up around the greens is symptomatic of courses of this age;  it is rare to have a flat lie anywhere around the greens.  To answer your second question, without wind RS is a pushover.  However a still day is a rarity, and Norman's equalling of the course record today is a much greater achievement in a strong southerly than Gow's (who?) record in calm conditions yesterday.  Ran would say that the course brought the greater player to the fore.Bob:  I will get back to you re Mackenzie when I have sobered up and done some research, but essentially Dr M. wrote a critique of the course which the committee was free to act upon; he refers to RS in The Spirit and the membership lovingly thinks that his influence is greater than it really is.John M:  The weeds in front of the 1st are complete crap, we do not have them in normal play.  They are an outrage!

[T_MacWood]

GeorgeVery interesting reading. Other than the four majors, there is no other tournament I would prefer to watch. The field is strong, Jack Newton's comments are enjoyable and most importantly the venues are terrific, Royal Sydney included.I've never quite understood why the Canadian Open settled for Glen Abbey, when they have so many wonderful courses to hold their championship. They could take a lesson from out Australian friends.

[James Clifford]

I enjoyed George's profile and have been pleasantly surprised as to how well the course has stood up to the pros, given little rough and not much wind over the four days. I am cheering for the amatuer Aaron Baadley to hold on. Maybe the sea breeze can kick in this afternoon.[Note:  David]

[David Eger]

The RCGA cut a deal with Glen Abbey several years ago to play its national championship there for a long, long time.  They have played Royal Montreal twice in 25 years and apparently have decided to sell Glen Abbey for major dowlars.

[Jeff_Mingay]

The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) actually delevoped Glen Abbey specifically to host the Canadian Open and their headquaters back in 1977. It's a PGA of America/Valhalla situation really. With ownership they can keep all of the $$$, and work less in organizing the tournament each season. For the record, the last Candian Open prior to the "Glen Abbey" years was held at Essex (1976), where Jerry Pate won with a course record 63 in the final round. He played with Crenshaw, who subsequently fell in love with our course, that day. Since 1977, the Canadian Open has been held away from Glen Abbey 2x: 1980 and 1977, both times at Royal Montreal (Dick Wilson). RM (old course) was actually the site of the first Canadian Open in 1904 -- making it the 3rd oldest Open championship in the world. It has sadly been reduced to a mediocre PGA Tour sanctioned event. The RCGA has sold Glen Abbey to ClubLink -- a large course owner/development company -- for big $$$. But the RCGA's intention is NOT to begin moving the Open around the country again. Instead they are using their profits to build new "facilities" with courses capable of hosting the event around the country -- maybe 3 or 4 total. In fact they've already purchased property in Montreal, I've heard. I imagine our Open will then simply rotate among these new RCGA-owned courses.Imagine who they'll choose to design them? Tom McBroom, to begin with, is becoming a national hero -- and I, personally, couldn't give you one reason why.The RCGA could learn a thing or two from their Australian contemporaries, that is true.      

[Jeff_Mingay]

And George, nice "opinion" column. I'd like to know the design history of Royal Sydney. Who originally laid the holes out? Who followed to make alterations? You mentioned there were many more bunkers on the course at one time, who removed them?  How was Mackenzie involved? Etc.?The course looks great in the pics and on television. In fact, very much like a links. And you're description in the piece indicated there is plenty of variety: driveable par 4's, long par 3's, etc.Good stuff. Can't wait to play one day!

[T_MacWood]

GeorgeWhat is the Australian Open rota of courses? I know of Royal Melbourne, New South Wales and Royal Adelaide along with Sydney. Is there a course/courses that are not included that should get consideration?JeffIf you were in charge of the RCGA what courses would you choose to hold the Canadian? I know several of Canada's great courses are quite isolated and short, but it still might be interesting in an off year.

[John Morrissett]

George--After thoroughly enjoying the final round, I absolutely agree with you -- Royal Sydney deserves a solid 7.  While the author is at it, don't you think he should also bump up New South Wales to 8?

[George Blunt]

To John M:Re the address for the Xmas card don't worry about it, I would be happy to host another Morrisset at RS, so long as you are as easy to beat as Ran.To James C:I too was very surprised yesterday at 1) the size of my hangover, and 2) how high the scoring was in the conditions.  However I went out and played the last 6 holes this morning and some of the pin placements were on the really tricky parts of the greens.  As we saw, hitting the greens was not difficult, making putts was.  I hope that the locations were in response to the weather forecast, in strong winds some of those locations would have been impossible (12,14)What a great win for the amateur though!To Jeff M and Tom M:I will need a day or two but will get back to you regarding rota and architects etc.  

[George Blunt]

Regarding the ratings, RS is most definitely a 7 and New South would have to be a super solip 8 if not a 9.Perhaps the sun, sea and s... addled his thinking.  (How else can you explain RS and the Oz as equals)

[Lynn_Shackelford]

By George, you may deny that RS's green sights are not like Pinehurst #2, but all I saw during the last round were a bunch of balls rolling off the greens.  Happy to hear that silly grass is not normal on #1.  Other than that what a great week.  Great field (attention Tiger, Jack has won it 6 times), great winner on a great course.  Love the telecasts in Australia, Newton is a delight.  I am headed for the range to try and swing like Aaron Baddeley.  What was with Greg Norman?  He seemed to be in a defeated mood throughout the final round.

[George Blunt]

To Jeff M:The design history of RS is a difficult topic, as the course has evolved over time. My reference point is a book written for our centenary:  "The Royal Sydney Golf Club.  The First One Hundred Years"  (Published 1993.  Allen & Unwin Pty Ltd.)  I am sure that it would have been a New York Times bestseller that year, it makes for fascinating reading! (NOT)The short version of the architectural history of the course is that there have been 7 courses on or near the present site since 1893.  None of the first 6 courses lasted more than 11 years before they were changed completely.  I presume that course 7 is the current course, and has been in play since 1922.  It was this course that DR M critiqued in Dec 1926.  It is not clear from my readings what action the committee took in reference to DR M's advice.  It would seem that until 1980 no one architect or firm was responsible for the course, it was probably looked after on an ad hoc basis by the varying committes of the day.  Thomson Wolveridge & Associates have been the consulting architects since 1980.The changes that are most well documented occurred between 1980 and 1986.  They were done by Thomson et al and involved the relocation and refurbishment of many greens.  Some of the changes were minor, others like the first changed the nature of the hole entirely.  The merits of the changes to the course are up for debate, as many people believe that the greens need to be redone again, due to poor construction.  Essentially though, this argument does not relate to architectural merit.What is not debatable, however, was the foresight of the commmittee in documenting to the last detail the greens before and after the changes.  Sketches, photos and text are in the club's archives relating to the changes, thus the architectural history of the course has not been lost.The detail of the changes are too lengthy to go in to here, however if you require more information I am sure I could find it for you. You can e-mail me at  "george@gas.bu.aust.com"and I would be happy to arrange it for you.To Tom M:I am not entirely sure of the rota of courses, so I have e-mailed the AGU and am waiting for a response.  Will keep you posted.To Lynn S:I am not sure about Norman's mood on Sunday, what I can tell you after watching him live is that he must be one of the slowest players on the greens in World Golf today.  Watching him putt was about as interesting as watching paint dry.  Thank god we have a production manager who spares us the agony of watching the shark "circle" when watching him on TV.  

[Jeff_Mingay]

Tom MacWood: Bit late in responding, but if I were the "main man" at the RCGA -- which I'm absolutely in capable of ever being -- I would contest the Canadian Open over the following courses, in no particular order: 1) Victoria2) Capilano3) Marine Drive4) Wolf Creek5) St. George's 6) Toronto7) Ancaster Redtail 9) Essex10) Highland Links  and, for Ran, 11) Devil's Paintbrush... just for fun! Any questions?

[T_MacWood]

Jeff Your friends in Quebec will love that rota. Do you know anything about these courses--Mayfair in Edmonton, Chateau Montebello in Quebec and Cataraqui in Kingston all by Stanley Thompson.  Also in Robert Hunter's THE LINKS, he mentions Lookout Point on Lake Ontario as one of Walter Travis' better works. I have a feeling that Canada may be loaded with 'hidden gems'.

[Ran Morrissett]

Tom and Jeff,We will try to flush some hidden gems out of the February Interview with Lorne. Tom, no doubt you are right - there must be plenty.