The problem with the 7th remaining a par 5 is multi-faceted. Let's go from green-to-tee for an examination.
From the excellent green complex (buried beneath fairway grade), the fronting bunkers do a healthy job of protecting the green from any slightly mis-hit approaches. In today's par 5 iteration, they barely function as defense from wedges and high irons. The greens cant (back-to- front and right-to-left) suggest that it was hole originally designed to receive a longer iron.
The huge high-faced fairway bunker on the left side has been rendered irrelevant, yet presents one of the best Tilly-style bunkering visuals at the club. 2nd shots down the right side (lay-ups) also bring a large tree into play...something I'd wager Tilly hadn't originally planned for.
Unfortunately, the road isn't going anywhere and allowing it to come into play on multiple shots just adds to the ever present risk of golfball-strikes-auto accident. It is approximately 265 from the present members tees. At present, long bombers can reach it or get over from the back tees, while most lay up and then hit over again. Why continue the elevated risk (already embedded on #1)?? Additionally, it requires Brian and his staff to maintain fairway on both sides of the road. Would berming help? Probably and that remedy is one that Jim is considering. (Dan...if we built a tunnel, and those lucky enough to hit into it reached the other side, would we then have to either; a) take their ball, or: b) put in conveyor belt and a windmill? Funny idea though and thought of by somebody at some time in the past, no doubt! (also, should Jaka ever work there, we'd have to hire additional protection for him...from the local rabble rousers!
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The existing tee boxes, at the top of the hill, are set back and tucked tight to the property's edge and force an OB tree line into play for any left-to-right fade/slice. Interestingly, one of those tees lies atop the buried water tank and all the tees have an aim slant that needs rework.
We've been playing it from a forward tee that would be the near site of new tees. It allows for a 220ish carry over the road and a very, very challenging approach anywhere from 240 to 155. The hole really seems to play better as a four and the idea of reducing par to 70 seems to nicely fit the philosophy of adding test without reducing the sporty appeal of the course.
As I previously mentioned, all of our collective conjecture is but worthless as the trusty eye of Jim Urbina will likely be the ultimate arbiter of what this hole becomes. I know that the club is excited and has the utmost faith that Jim's treatment(s) will only enhance what is already there.