Peter,
Were you there in the afternoon? Did you get passed by a couple non-golfers riding a cart?
Thanks for the remarks. We always like to hear praise, but we learn from all comments.
Mike is a low ball, right to left player. The wind is his friend. I don't have a predictable ball flight. I don't usually hit anything hard right or hard left.
James Edwards,
The green settings on #9 and #11 were not terrific green settings, compared to many on this site. The 9th green is wonderful in its complexity, and the way it presents itself from the lower elevation approach shot makes it difficult to go pin hunting. I find it easy to come up short on that shot, even know what the hill is like behind the green...major safety valve if you're feeling aggressive. The 11th green is not really where Mike wanted it, but due to owner concessions, it is what it is...and what it is is a very tough green to find from the west tee orientation from 223 yards. Mike wanted to clear all the trees off the land formation and move the green uphill to reduce some slope issues and be able to better utilize what was already there. The owner had finally had enough tree removal, or was tired, or just wanted to move forward at this point, so we did what we could. It's funny, but I distictly remember being on that green with Mike and Dan (the owner) in late evening. We were pushing dirt, drinking beer and begging to knock down the trees. Even beer wouldn't soften Big Dan.
I took a very good friend of mine out there yesterday whom I have served with for years on the Super's Association board. We talk daily, yet this was his first time seeing the place. He said" Holy ****, this is so different and good, why am I not hearing anything about this place?" Even after all my descriptions,he had no idea....and I think that is a great way to sum up where the Mines is on the local, and national radar. Obviously, we'd love to have more people "in the know" come and see it, but folks are busy these days....
Thanks again for the comments of all varieties,
Joe