Phil/Greg,
Thanks for the reply and I agree that the 8th green blends in well with the others I just don't like cape water holes. I also recall others saying that there was a fixation with par 72, so 9 had to be a par 5. I recall Hearn wanting 8 & 9 to be par 4's.
Now lets get to all the positives. I think 3rd turned out well as a par 4, it provided us with lots of indecision on the tee which is a sign of a good/great hole. We had a 20+ mph tailwind behind us and I didn't lay up enough. I was 1-2 inches across the 1-2 yard creek and had to hit a 3/4 shot while doing the splits
The 4th was excellent, dishing out many options off the tee. 5 and 6 into the wind were brutes but very enjoyable. When I got to the 9th tee, I was thankful we weren't playing the tips with a 20+mph wind into our faces
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The dip fronting the 10th green is wonderful, great par 5. 11 is a wonderful par 3 with some teeth. I loved the 12th, its so FU as your standing on the tee. The nobs to the right of the green are great and reminded me of Inverness. The 14th is a hole that would be cool to play more then once. I'm indifferent about the tree in the middle, but didn't understand why so many trees were left on the right side? I can see someone possibly changing their strategy if they know where the pin is Left vs right. 15-18 are spectacular. Connecting the fairways was great, it added continuity to those holes.
We had a legit plus 5 handicap in our gathering and I think he shot 76 from the tips at Flossmoor. With the wind and the set up, it is a stern test! I give Flossmoor a 7.4 with one play and prefer it over Scioto, Canterbury, MVGC, Oakland Hills S, Indianwood, and Old Elm.
Phil, excellent photo tour!