Hamilton, you are correct, I do like the reworked 14th. What most don't understand who take exception to it is that the the green as it was had very few possible hole locations. The green was beginning to wear badly and something needed to be done.
In addition, the hole was also far less challenging than what they felt it would be for the 2002 Open. Something needed to be done to make it a bit more challenging for the 2009 Open.
For many years it has been suggested that a new tee box be built back on the other side of the maintenance road that runs at the base of the hill where the tee box is. When looking at the reality of this and what it would take to accomplish, it becomes quickly apparent that it was the wrong direction to go in.
First of all, the new tee would have created a par three that would have been close to 220 yards in length. The green as it was was really a bit too small for this length and so it would need enlarging.
Secondly, and this is was the largest drawback, they would have had to move a literal mountain of soil to create a hill that would hold the new tee box. This was tremendously cost prohibitive for the State to consider doing (Albany beancounters) and, quite fairly, the USGA has put all the money they intend to into Bethpage.
This leaves the only solution as enlarging the green surface, something that was not only cost-effective, but unknown to most at the time, would actually bring the green back mcuh closer to its original size and playing shape.
When it was built the original putting surface ran all the way up to the top of the hill that serves as the back side of the green. What very few knew was that the putting surface originally was behind and in back of the large right-side bunker. The bushes and trees over there have grown in over the years since and right of the bunker was actually in play.
By extending the green back and to the right, the green has been recovered and some wonderfully challenging hole locations have been re-discovered. I guarantee that there will be 2 holes in that area in 2009 and they will be difficult to make birdies on them. From the back tee these holes will be approximately 185 yards in length.
What has been controversial for some has been the extension of the front left portion of the green making a little tongue of grass. This may end up being the toughest of all hole locations on the green as it forces the player to gamble and go for it to be close or play safe and be above the hole. From the front of the tee, this hole measures less than 140 yards.
This means that the hole has a tremendous variety of playing and set-up options with nearly 50 yards of length to work with.
Some have also taken umbrage with the new narrow bunker left of the green. This is necessary and actually makes the new hole more fair for players of all skill levels. Consider how hard a pitch shot someone is faced with from deep rough just a few yards left of the green. At least a shot from the bunker allows for a chance of recovery.
I see the hole now having many more options, a better ability to maintain it and a green that is much closer to its original design... That is why I like the changes. And for discussion purposes I must disclose that I was asked my input on it beforehand and was there during the on-course discussions with Rees, Mike Davis, Craig Currier, Dave Catalano & a few others.