Tom
A sensitive modernization in my opinion is NOT what RTJ did at Oakland Hills. Completely changing the bunkering patterns, pinching landing areas with bunkers on both sides of the fairways and SIGNIFICANTLY altering greenside bunkering. Thats a remodel.
In the case of Bethpage I think the only similarity is they both had to prepare for a US Open yet keep a course for the public to play all the rest of the time. I would hope that Rees decided that the old Pine Valley bunker edging was not practical for massive public play but he had to maintain size and depth. He went for his version (give me some leeway here) of Winged Foot Tillinghast type bunkers. The old course had no irrigation and the revised one would certainly play a bit softer and the modern equipment as such called for more of an aerial game and so a bit of tightening around a few of the greens was attempted. #'s 6 and 7 play essentially the same as before (7 is slightly tighter at the green opening but there is still plenty of room), #9 is essentially identical around the green as is #10 (ther never was a ground opton here). #11 might be the most significant change but again, there is an upslope leading to the front of that green and modern irrigation precludes somewhat a ground game. There is still some room to run the ball on. #12 is about the same and #13 has that cross bunker short of the green that alters play compared to 1938 but I doubt anyone was going for that green back then and if they were it was a running shot that again irrigation precludes today. #'s 15 and 16 play the same and on 17 you can't see it on the aerial (which looks remarkably the same) but the lip on the deep front bunker is lower giving more visibility). In fact, thats the change I object to most. 18 is another discussion entirely.
So, I contend that the course is mostly the same as it was when I knew it and maybe even more close to the 1938 version (except the all important look). A few decisions were made to move tee boxes back and push a few bunkers to somewhat different locations. I think many of these could be attributed to equipment, a US Open and irrigation and firmness through the green differences in the two eras. Overall, I'd call that a "sensitive modernization".
I'm saying all of this knowing this is a public venue destined to be a tournament course and a Major tournament course at that. Had this been a private course that I was a member of, I would have voted for and strived to put the course back exactly as shown in the aerial and ground photos (Pine Valley appearance and all) and told the USGA to take their tournament somewhere else. Given the circumstances, I'm pleased as could be at the results. Think of it, Roger Rulewich could have been given the job and then what woudl Bethpage look like?
