Patrick -
I can't really say, having not played TOC or, in fact, many courses around the US. I was simply pointing out to DS that there are instances in which others don't just automatically pull out the lob wedge. I do think it would be better for everyone if they were to frequently play the conditions as they appeared to be at TOC.
Dave -
I find the points that you make quite interesting and telling. I personally can tell you 2 of the most satisfying shots I've hit in my 8 year golf career were bump and runs that rolled up to within 10 feet of the hole (one was a 7 iron from 100 yards and the other was a 6 iron from about 130 - I should add these distances are quite a bit short of my normal distances for these clubs). And, in the interest of full disclosure, I'd say I've tried intentionally bump and runs less than 10 times in those 8 years. And I have not ever really practiced the shot. Both instances were pure feel shots, and boy did they ever feel good. I don't doubt that a competitive player should go with his strengths, but maybe if conditions and courses were a little different (i.e. not so predominantly favoring the aerial drop and stop game), more competitors would actually practice and play these shots.
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I tend to agree with Patrick - I don't think angles are obsolete, but they have been greatly diminshed. I do, however, think that courses built differently and conditioned differently might enhance other options and bring back angles.
Sadly, I don't think that's what most people want. And I don't see many people out there advocating otherwise.