River rocks at Oak Hill?

[Pete Lavallee]

I don't remeber Allen's Creek being lined with river rocks at the last PGA, is it a recent addition? Also, what is the purpose, to prevent errosion, to beautify or to just make it impossible to paly a shot from the bank of the creek?

[Ronald Montesano]

Good mention. When I arrived on Monday, even after a ten-year absence, the rocks jumped at me. They are quite fetching. I don't know the rationale for their placement.

If I had to venture a guess, I suspect that the Oak Hill movers would say something along these lines: "The West course is our Donald Ross layout and always shall be. The East course is our tournament venue and, come hell or high Allen's-Creek water, we will make whatever changes the current administration feels are necessary to attract first-class tournaments."

So, if the PGA is looking for one thing, the USGA something else, they'll oblige. I wouldn't be surprised to see a USGA Senior Open at Oak Hill, as a test of the course and membership to host another US Open in the 2020s or 2030s.

[Dan Herrmann]

To me, the rocks look dumb.  I'm sure there area other erosion mitigation techniques that'd work, but look more natural.

[David Schofield]

Round river rock is pretty worthless as an erosion control device.  Doesn't lock together like the angular stuff.  Wants to slide (or roll) down slopes.  I'm guessing it's more for appearance even if they won't admit it.