Highlands Links

[Ben Cowan-Dewar]

I sent this picture to Jeff Mingay today, but I thought I would post it for everyone here too.  A different perspective of the course.  

[Slag_Bandoon]

I agreed almost entirely and then I think of the micrcosmic world of greens and the hyper-attention we give to them. Then I think of the natural surrounds of the course itself. Then I think of the severity of wind. Then I think of the playability. The fun factor. Whether it's available to all players.   For the picture memorability I agree, but for the whole event memory I have to make the layout a Monet inside my brain. (Disclaimer- I haven't played enough great courses to be highly qualified - just enough to think I've discovered a few things.)

[John Morrissett]

Thanks -- great picture as it really shows the different parts of the course (near the water, in the hills, etc.).I'm curious -- what are everyone's favorite holes there?I will say 2,4,7,and 15.

[RJ_Daley]

The best turf selection I know of is the combination of selection and how it is maintained at Wild Horse.  Greens are generally cut to .125 bents - 1/2 provident and 1/2 SR1119; fairways are cut to 9/16th generally and are K-blue cultivar blend of Award, American Midnight; and the the most important turf selection, in my view, surrounds are fescue blends of Jamestown II and Tiffany cut at about 7/16.  When I played there 3 weeks ago the course tee-fairway-surrounds-greens were fast, firm, and perfect - and I have seen nothing better anywhere.  Hooray Josh Mahar!!!  In the cool season, there really isn't a choice on green turf and bents are it.  I have never seen a fescue green, although I guess it has been tried...  I am not familiar with the exact cultivar blends of fairways at Whistling Straits but I believe it is a rye-fescue blend that is cut about 9/16 also like Wild Horse.  I very much like the higher cut fairways in the 1/2 to 3/4 inch cut maintained firm and fast.  Sand Hills is more like Whistling with a big Fescue fairway composition.  I am not experienced enough on warm season bermuda or transition Zoysia.  And, also I have no experience with Kikuyu except to look at it at Riviera.