Just a quick note to Huck and all others who might only have one visit to SH. Conditions make such a major impact when playing this famed Long Island gem.
I rate it as the finest course I haver ever played in the USA and I say that after having played the course roughly 9-10 times. In one particular visit the course played as severe as it did on the day they played the first round at the '86 US Open when Tway led with an even par 70 and Nicklaus lost his first ever ball in a major championship with push fade on the 10th. On that extremely difficult day -- one had to hold on for dear life because when conditions become that difficult just finishing the round is no small feat of accomplishment.
On the other hand -- I've played the course when the wind was more benign and the sun shined so bright as to illuminate all the unique elements that make playing there so grand. Just standing on the high ground by the clubhouse and seeing the grandeur of the holes as they move up and down over the glorious grounds will cause a rush of excitement for any golfer --whether it be first time or something more.
Shinnecock didn't need the USGA to overcook the place in '04 and I can only hope calmer minds will prevail and that the club will once again host our national championship -- frankly I'd like to see the course serve as host every 5-6 years -- it is that good as anyone who has been there can attest. I've been to all of the three modern Opens there and each one was a joy to behold such a grand layout being the great test of golf it most certainly is.
Is Shinnecock hard?
No doubt when conditions can influence the outcome plus the nature of one's game is also a prime consideration. But Shinnecock is never so brutal as to penalize the well thoughtout and well executed shot.
Doak's last words in CG said it best about Shinnecock, "A great course to play every day, as well as a proven championship venue, not many courses can claim both." Amen.
Matt - thanks for the "quick note."
One right back at you: I played it in pretty benign conditions. The rough was somewhat high, but not brutal. It was pretty firm and fast, but nothing crazy. And it remains quite likely the most difficult golf course I have ever played. "All it takes are perfect shots" was the phrase uttered that day, and I concurred with it.
Oh I'd love to play it every day - hell that would mean I'd be playing golf every day, which would be heaven for me - it's just not my personal cup of tea as it requires so much more game than I have to have a reasonable chance at success - as we've discussed many times, I prefer the course across the street, where I have so much more of a fighting chance.
But again, to each his own.
BTW, you still never did admit you were wrong about the definition of Doak 10s. But that's OK. Note that I would call each of NGLA and Shinnecock such. Just if I had to choose between the two, give me NGLA.
TH