The new tee on #9 is a terrific change. Lester did the work himself last November and the hole was closed (played as a par three) through the winter to allow grow in.
The right side was raised significantly (probably 12 or more feet) and the bunker is certainly in play if the player hits driver. As many of you recall, driver wasn't really an option before (unless the player was trying to fly the old hell bunker (a crazy play that rarely paid off)). Now, a drive hit near the bunker will funnel around it and down a speed slot, leaving a decision about whether to go for the green. A drive to the left side of the fairway doesn't run out and leaves a more blind second.
I've only played it a few times since it reopened as a par five and conditions have been on the wet side (thanks to watering following aerification). The change means lots of new choice, though, as opposed to the old design that pretty much required the player to lay up short of the old bunker.
I haven't hit a shot from the new bunker but I think the lip is just high enough to cast doubt on the shot. It's not an automatic layup but going for the green (or trying to nearly reach it) will be a brave play.
This winter brought other changes, too, including a redo of the bunker in front of the second green and a big modification to the bunker in front of the eighth green.
WW