Mark Hissey,
As we discussed, the fine tuning that follows the opening of a golf course is an ongoing process.
Ross did it for 26 years at Pinehurst, MacDonald for decades at NGLA.
What's unique about Sebonack is the concept of "consensus" with respect to the decision making process with ongoing alterations.
The other good thing about fine tuning is that mistakes can be undone in subsequent years.
Matt Ward,
I couldn't agree more about tee selection.
All too often, the macho types, especially those who take liberty with the scorecard, want to play all the way back.
We've had this debate about ANGC.
I think there may be a handicap threshold for going to the back tees. Maybe it's 4, more than likely it's 2 or lower, especially for courses like Trump National NJ, Baltusrol Lower, ANGC and Sebonack.
I take my hat off to Kenny Bakst for politely* suggesting to a member that perhaps he'd enjoy himself and the game of golf more if he moved up from the back tees.
I've always gravitated toward the back tees, so I understand the lure, but, when the back tees were beyond my ability, I moved up.
Recently I played the West Course at Westchester from the back tees. It was cool, windy and there was NO roll.
I had to hit the ball exceptionally well in order to have an enjoyable round, which I did, but, had my game been off a bit, those tees would have been too much for me.
One fellow in our group started on the back tees and moved up on the second hole. Another fellow moved up on the third hole.
I found Sebonack far more treacherous from the back tees.
At most clubs, if you spray the ball, you'll just be in the rough or another fairway. That's not the case at Sebonack. If you spray the ball, which can be what happens when you try to hit it far, you'll be in for a long day and a high score.
More clubs should have a sign similar to that which resides near the first tee at Bethpage Black, only I'd add the handicap kicker as a requirement for play from the tips.
End of rant.