Obstructed views

[Gary_Nelson]

Here's my two cents from my round yesterday at a new course (where I'll likely NOT return).

About 10 - 12 of the shots (tee + approach) were hit over large unmown areas.   The grass/weeds had grown up (by design) and obstructed the view of the landing area.

I don't mind the occasional blind shot but I thought this was way overdone.  What's pleasing to my eye is seeing the ball land/bounce somewhere for that "instant feedback".

What's your take on this?  Am I overreacting?  I just didn't like the "hit it and hope" feeling after these shots.

Gary

[ForkaB]

Gary

You'll HATE The Old Course......

[Gary_Nelson]

Rich,

I walked the Old Course and played the New Course twice.  I loved the New Course.  Wild bounces, unseen bunkers, etc.... it's all good.  The design of the course leads you around.   I remember a couple shots hitting over a huge mound/dune.  Pick a line and hit it... but you know that there's something good on the other side.

The course I played yesterday lacked definition/framing.  In front of you were tall weeds against a backdrop of trees.  Forced carries to unknown landing areas.  No fun for me.  

Gar

[ForkaB]

Gary

The New Course is very user-friendly.  The Old Course is not--lots of "forced carries to unknown landing areas," at least the first few times you play it.  Is it possible that the course you just played might reveal itself as something special over time, just as TOC revealed itself to Bobby Jones and a few others?

Not trying to be clever here, just wondering why some blindness is acceptable, even revered, whilst some is vilified.

Any thoughts?

[Gary_Nelson]

Rich,

The Old Course (from what I vaguely remember) was wide open, gently rolling terrain.  Bunkers were lurking (and unseen) but I think that you can see the ball bounce and roll... and maybe disappear.

My gripe from yesterday is the loss of the feedback/enjoyment I get from seeing the ball bouncing when it lands.  I felt as if I missed part of the fun of seeing where my ball went... too many times.

Maybe this is architecture (raise the tees a few feet higher) or maintenance (cut the grass down).  Either way, I didn't like it.

Gary

[ForkaB]

Gary

Unless you are 10+ ft. tall, you will not see the ball bounce and roll on most fairways at TOC, nor will you see what the ball does on most greens.  No judgement here, just the facts--nothing but the facts.

[THuckaby2]

Concur with Rich re TOC - Shaq on a stepladder couldn't see the bounce and roll on almost every hole...

TH