Hi Tim,
Sorry if this is late, but I just saw this. Anyway, I can’t really speak about Merion or Oakmont—I’ve
seen Oakmont’s greens, but haven’t putted on them—to know whether they are faster than Augusta’s or not. What I CAN say is that I’ve seen something like 10 or 15 of the usual top 100 courses of America, and none of them could really touch Augusta’s speed, at least on a day-to-day basis. That doesn’t mean that things have not changed some in the meantime, but that was my impression then.
I’d agree however that, from the members’ tee, Augusta is probably more playable than the other courses you mention precisely because of the general lack of forced carries—although again I don’t have the experience to say definitively. As some have suggested here, in fact, it’s likely better to play many approach shots with a putter; the fairway speeds, after all, approach the green speeds of many lesser courses.
With that in mind, I’d also disagree with the suggestion that high spin rates are preferable to a ground game at Augusta. Despite the fact that many of the changes since MacKenzie’s day have been made to further the “hit it high” school, I’d still suggest that the higher handicap—by which I mean, anyone who doesn’t make a living at playing golf—is going to do better by putting the ball on the ground instead of flying shots in. I don’t care what sort of spin rate you have—no amateur has that sort of control. Hope this is enlightening.
Joe
As somebody who caddied at Augusta I can tell you at least some guys just want to hear the number to the pin. Which is kind of insane when you think about it, but nevertheless.
Most people, though, really got the message after hitting a couple of putts on the practice green. Then they look around at the greens they can see, realize how big some are, and get a clue, and if not usually by the second hole you could get them to see reason. And if they still haven’t gotten the message, usually the fifth green did the trick.
The most hilarious thing ever was when some prick wouldn’t listen on 14—and the ball would end up like 90 feet away with eight breaks between it and the cup. Five putts, or even worse, weren’t unheard of on that green.
Anyway, the thing about Augusta is that the green speeds are so absurdly off the charts—and seriously, I’ve seen ridiculously fast greens, but I’ve never seen anything like Augusta’s and I wasn’t even there in peak season—that any mistake was just instant crater. I’ve never seen a course that would just so instantaneously BURY a so-so shot. (Maybe Chicago Golf, especially the 10th hole, which I would say might be harder than Augusta’s 12th.)
Bottom line: Augusta is the golf capital of Schadenfreude.
That is a fascinating insight Joe. To be honest I find it hard to fathom that the greens can be demonstrably faster than say, Oakmont, Pine Valley or Merion, but as I haven't played Augusta I can't form my own frame of reference.
From seeing it on TV, it would appear to me that it would be more playable for a mediocre golfer than the likes of Pine Valley or Oakmont, simply due to the general lack of deep rough and forced carries (certainly in the case of Pine Valley). But this is just speculation. Some day I hope I'll be able to make a proper comparison!