[Jason Topp]

I greatly enjoyed watching the telecast of the Dunhill Links Championship this weekend, even without wind. 

For an architecture junkie, the format adds to the enjoyement as among the final groups there were amateurs ranging from a woman who appeared to be a 25 handicap, a man who appeared to be mid-teens and a very good amateur player.  All of them were tempted, teased and made to look silly at times.  At the same time all level of player constantly had to make decisions about what type of shot to hit usually with many options available.

One thing that struck me about the course is how many featuers appear completely manufactured.  For example, the fairway comprised of holes 1 and 18 is very flat on the number 1 side and very undulated on the 18th hole side.  It is hard to imagine that the 11th green is not completely artificial and the mound in front of the 4th green seems to me that it had to have been built.  The Elysian Fields are very flat in contrast to surrounding ground and I am sure there are many others.  '

It was also nice to see the leader punished on 17 for trying to bail out and hit driver as far as he could to the left into the rough in order to avoid out of bounds.  It was equally enjoyable seeing him hit a wonderful pitch and run to the side of the road bunker to ensure his bogey. 

[Shane Wright]

Has anyone ever posted the Dr. Alister Mackenzie survey of the Old Course on GCA?  It would be awesome to see from a topo standpoint.  That would answer some of Jason's questions.  

Jason, I'm not a grading expert, but the backside of #11 green does not have a dramatic and seemingly artificial drop off towards the Eden Estuary.  There isn't much room, but it does seem natural given the surroundings.  

I know the Old Course has gotten a lot of coverage on GCA, but with the frequent addition of new members to GCA, IMHO, it is always a good thing to rediscover some of her elements and history.

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