Had a chance to play here a few weeks back and surprised it hasn't been brought up in over a decade.
I remember hearing the name "Pine Tree" dropped by my 80 yr old boss as if it was the place back in the 60s and 70s. Trying to think of a comparison to today where pros are members due to its difficulty and share it with the affluent on equal footing - maybe Whisper Rock?
Considering it was built in the "dark ages" by a guy I had little exposure to, when I saw the flat landscape and copious amounts of greenside bunkers I thought this would be a place I wouldn't care for -the poster child for what was great then but isn't now. And after getting my teeth kicked in score-wise that could have been the case. But I ended up really liking it. It demanded shot making, holes were distinct from one another, and the greens were incredible.
I'm still a neophyte here and I think this was the first Wilson course I've played. For those who have played it and liked it, what makes it appreciable in an age where most of us gravitate to minimalist style design?
It's been brought up a fair amount. I posted many pics of some of the renovation/restoration work when I was Superintendent there from 2009-2015. If you can play at PT, you can play anywhere.
Ron Forse was responsible for a large renovation there in 1997, restoring many of the Wilson bunkers to form. Bobby Weed renovated the bunkers & greens in 2005 & also regrassed greens/tees/approaches with Tifeagle & fairways with Tifsport. In 2012, we regrassed the fairways & approaches to Celebration. In 2013, we restored the greenside bunkers & regrassed the approaches. In 2014, we build the short game area left of #10fwy. In 2018, the driving range floor/targets were completely overhauled. Ron continues to work with the club on it's master plan.
Certain members have really stepped up to the plate in the last 8-10 years to make sure the integrity of the course remains & that that it doesn't "fall" into the wrong hands.
Fun fact-Their new Director of Agronomy starts today. He was the Superintendent at Indian Creek in MIA for the last 24 years. That guy gets it and certainly will continue ensure PT remains the gem that it is. How this place continues to NOT be ranked in the Top 10 in FL is beyond me. You're not going to be wowed by amenities, flowers, fountains, vistas & a lunch, green golf course. That's not what they are about. If you're looking strictly at architecture, this place is incredible & a place you can play over & over & over....& they do.