FYI, my fellow Brora fans...

[Mike Feeney]

Below is an excerpt from Brora's recent newsletter...the 11th (now, 412 yards) is becoming a par 5 -- thus, course par becomes 70. Hmmm...who is going to tell James Braid?

"Work has been completed on the new tee at 11 to turn it into a par 5 (497 yds). This hole will hopefully be in play by mid June if all maintenance work goes to plan."

Thoughts?

[jeffwarne]

Well there is room there and really shouldn't be too awkward----- at least there's no walk back presently, will be one for the new tee.
Might  make a decent par 5 with the burn about 100 yards short of the green
Great place. Those who hate it can use the old tee

[Scott Warren]

Fun greensite for a long approach shot.

Am I right that this means adding about 80 yards to the hole?

[David_Tepper]

Any time the 10th hole at Brora plays into the wind, it is a par-5 as far as I am concerned!

I was a little skeptical when Golspie decided to lengthen two par-4's and turn them into par-5's several years ago, raising the course from par-68 to par-70. Fortunately, the changes worked out pretty well.

For better or worse, I do think some of the courses with par of 68 or 69 do feel the need to become a par-70 course so they are taken "seriously" by visiting golfers. That is just a reality.  

[Sean_A]

I recall the fairway ending short of the burn and not picking back up until well past - is this true?  My memory ain't what it was.  If so, the fairway would need to be filled out.  The water may come more into play, but I am not sure its worth the walk back.  I would need to see the finished work, but I am guessing its an even trade-off. 

I assume the course gets moved up one shot for the SSS from the medal tees?  I know this is a crap reason for making a design change, but clubs with overall short yardage do it to help out low handicappers.  Its not something I would ever like to do unless it was a no brainer I was getting a much better hole.

Ciao

[Philip Gawith]

There is no burn in play on the 10th at Brora Sean.

Scott, i think the hole is about 430-440 currently. David is right - into a brisk wind, and i would say the prevailing wind is into you on that hole, it is already out of reach in two for most golfers. Personally i slightly regret this development - feels like they are sacrificing a difficult par 4 (it is stroke 2) for a par 5 which will be less challenge.

Philip

[David_Tepper]

Philip -

I may have created some confusion here by mentioning the 10th hole, which is not the hole being lengthened, but is a very tough par-4.  #11 is the whole being lengthened and turned into a par-5.
DT

[Jim Eder]

I love Brora. I love Brora as a par 69 and will continue to visit many times in the future as a par 69. The 11th hole is a solid hole in my opinion as a par 4 in its current state. The creek and broken ground could possibly come into play as a par 5 and especially into a strong wind for the better player or a tee shot into heavy rough that could make a lay-up interesting. I would have to play it with the new tee to see if it makes sense.  But I hope that they are doing this solely to add strategy and interest rather than just to change par. Personally, I wouldn't change the hole as I view it as a solid hole.   The change could possibly bring that creek and broken ground into play especially on a mis-hit tee shot and that is a bit intriguing to me.

[Philip Gawith]

I was indeed confused!

That is a different proposition and a better idea because - if i am thinking of the right hole - the longer hitter has the driver taken out of his hands on the tee (unless the wind is into you) as you can go off the end of the "runway" and then you have bad downhill lies etc.

[Rich Goodale]

I may or may have not mentioned this before, but Brora has a plan gathering dust somewhere in their clubhouse to extend the course to over 7000 yards.  This may be just the first shot across the bow of the hysterian (oops meant "historian," my bad....) camp of aficionados.

[Jim Eder]

Rich,

My heart just sunk. Is it possible to do that and keep the character and intent of the golf course intact?  That is a lot of yardage and not every hole is capable of being added on to. I understand the desire to counteract technology but Brora is such a gift and a treasure and is so good as it stands today. It is one of the courses when I finish playing I can't wait to get out there and play again. It is great fun and a good challenge the way it is today in my eyes. A very special place.

[Rich Goodale]

Jim

I've played Brora for 30+ years and love the place and the people who make that club so special.  I say "may be" because from what I know this plan has not been on the agenda of the powers that be, but powers that be become powers that were over time, and new agendas may be adopted by new powers.

I do think there is an argument for lengthening the course (after all, Braid did so himself when he took his bucket and spade to those links), but I'm not sure that the 11th is the best place to start.  Adding 100 yards to that hole will only make it a goofy "rescue club, rescue club, wedge" for most players.

Rich

[Jim Eder]

Rich,

Thank you. Yes, you are correct.  Hopefully any new powers realize the greatness that exists.

I agree about a discussion about lengthening. Hopefully if done, it will just allow it to be played more like what it did years ago reducing the impact of technology.

Very fair point on whether the 11th is the best place to start lengthening. I am with you. I guess adding 100 yards might render it unreachable for many but for a low single digit and below it could possibly be interesting. A drive in the fairway it would be a green light to go for it without excessive wind into. A drive in the rough could make a layup a bit more of a challenge. A tee up a bit more up for the middle handicapper might offer the temptation which would hopefully reduce the concern about the Hybrid, Hybrid, Wedge risk. And hopefully they maintain the existing tee for use which would remain interesting. To me, it is an interesting hole for every player today. I hope that they are able to achieve that if any changes are made.  It may be a bit difficult.

Thanks Rich for the insight, much appreciated.

Jim

[James Boon]

Interesting to hear this, but then Brora has plenty of room if they want to start pushing some tees back to stretch their legs. I recall hearing a story about Ronan Rafferty visiting and falling in love with the place, and suggesting a few possible back tee positions?

Where exactly will the new tee be? Will it be behind the current tee or off to the left of the 10th green, towards the 8th fairway?

I can't say I agree with the urge to increase the par to 70, but don't mind them extending a few holes if they have the room? 

Cheers,

James