A modern adaption of a "principale buco" by Coore and Crenshaw. To me the possibilities and shot shaping from a tee are ever more hideous in causing distress than the acutal shot realities. Your mind as the Buddha said can be your greatest ally or adversary. I stood on this tee and really pondered how to hit a drive, go outside, inside or drive short? Luckily, the wind kept me just shy of a 1/2 shot penalty. What is even more delicious is the uphill nature of the approach which doglegs right, given a second play the optimal play is to the right side of the Nose especially if the flag is left. I played this course and Friars Head last week.. I will keep my comments to myself but it really made me appreciate two things, 1) How thrilling and lucky I am to play Yale weekly because the exciting shots there are really not matched by most modern courses, even very good ones and 2) How Friars Head may pound for pound be C&C's best work--I realize Sand Hills will always be thought of as top banana (at least we'll see how Lost Farms turns out), but after playing this course, Colorado GC, Hidden Creek, SH, Talking Stick, East Hampton, Cuscowilla and We-ko-pa I was surprised to come to this revelation. And then I think, it is because of Ken Bakst. When you have a modern day G. Crump or Bobby Jones on site with your archies, how can it not turn out better especially when that owner can not only play golf on a top amateur level but understands architecture to boot.
