Golf Club Atlas
GolfClubAtlas.com => Golf Course Architecture Discussion Group => Topic started by: Brian_Gracely on December 22, 2004, 05:17:12 PM
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Had the chance to play Pine Needles today (63*, Sunny) and the restoration looks great. All of the holes and tees were open and the course was playing fairly firm and fast, especially the fairways which seem to be somewhat sandcapped (not MPCC firm, but 20yds of roll). The fairways are still somewhat patchy and the greens were shaggy (maybe 7-8), but they putted very true and it appears they did an admirable job restoring the shape and contours of the greens. The fairway bunkering looks excellent(!!), particularly #7, 12, 14, 15, 18.
Things I noted:
- They restored alot of area to the greens. #5, 7, 11, 15, 17 felt really large.
- #3 green doesn't feel as severely sloped as I remember it in the past.
- #6 and #7 are both about 460-475yds now, but in different wind directions. #7 played incredibly tough today into the wind.
- When the large areas of love-grass fully come in, it's going to have alot of the look of the very early Pinehurst area pictures.
- The added length to #10 helps (535yds), but it's still very reachable in two. But the tee-shot is alot more fun to try and get around the corner now.
- With the switch of Par on #14 and #15 (now 4, 5), the finishing stretch is VERY challenging.
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You da man BG, what a Christmas present!! ;) I want photos, I want photos!!
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Brian
Thanks for the report. I will be down there for a 1:00 tee time on Good Friday with my brother-in-law. Are you interested in a game?
Ciao
Sean
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You da man BG, what a Christmas present!! ;) I want photos, I want photos!!
Sorry, I forgot to bring the camera. :(
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Brian
Thanks for the report. I will be down there for a 1:00 tee time on Good Friday with my brother-in-law. Are you interested in a game?
Ciao
Sean
Very possibly. Ping me as the date gets closer. Always happy to play with another Michigander that's come down to NC.
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Great news, thanks Brian. Pine Needles in a very special course and I can't wait to get back there and play it in its new attire.
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So Brian, Pine Needles and the other Pinehurst area courses are playable year round?
Would you miss anything by playing this time of year? And I don't mean just golf; the area itself.
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So Brian, Pine Needles and the other Pinehurst area courses are playable year round?
I have played in Pinehurst and as far north as Raleigh in all 12 months, but late-Nov to early-Feb is borderline hit-and-miss....meaning, you might get a 60-70* Sunny day and you might get 25* Rain. It's definitely not Florida, but I'd say about 50% of the days are playable in reasonable conditions.
I'd say yesterday was sort of a fluke, but last weekend (45-55* and Partially Sunny) was fairly normal.
Would you miss anything by playing this time of year? And I don't mean just golf; the area itself.
Not sure what you mean by "miss anything"? Please elaborate.
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Brian,
My round at Hope Valley yesterday fell through; one buddy out of town. But I did play at Croasdaile with the third of our group, the first time that I have been there since John Lafoy renovated the George Cobb design. I thought the work was excellent; have you been there? If so, what were your thoughts?
(Keeping my fingers crossed for this afternoon if the weather lets up a little for Finley...)
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No pics, oh well. They do have some pictures of the restoration at their website: www.pineneedles-midpines.com
I also like the new logo!!
(http://smartsites.legendarymarketing.com/site_images/216/logo.gif)
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AG - I played at match at Croasdaile about a month ago and really enjoyed the course. The NC State Am was played there over the summer - it understandably played much longer in November. Huge greens, some of the purest I have played all year. I never played the course prior to the renovation so I have no way to make a comparison - it's really an enjoyable course to play, even if you lose your match. It should clear up this afternoon, enjoy your round at Finley. Let us know your thoughts on #18.
Kevin