If the 8th is a good hole then there is nothing wrong with every single narrow tree lined course in the world...
And all our talk about strategic design is a waste of breath.
Nice post, Michael. Let's make it strategic.
It's too bad that the driving range was mandated to be where it is because this hole could be an excellent one.
A hole as a conceptual model would be #1 at Buffalo Peak GC in Union, Oregon. This hole rides the flank of a hill and then doglegs down severely as the upper fairway fades away. So, you can play for the top with an iron or go for the runway slope with a fairway metal or go for the green with a driver. At BufP the green is at the bottom of this slope but at ChaBay it could be lengthened since the place is set up for potential high caliber play.
We'd still get the views of the course but we'd have some interesting choices for the hole that don't exist now.
It would also make the 9th a better hole as the tees would have more room for variations of angles of attack.
So, the two weakest holes are transformed into glorious shrines of strategic idealism.
Pierce County. That'll be one million dollars, please. My Cayman Island bank account is ready for your deposit.
From the BP website . . .
TIPS ON PLAYING BUFFALO PEAK FROM THE BLUE TEES
HOLE #1 300 YARDS DOGLEG RIGHT PAR 4...HANDICAP 9
Sharp dogleg right. Aiming slightly left of the 150 yard black & white post with a fairway metal or hybrid will leave a short approach to this downhill green. Trouble over the green. There is a much bigger risk than there is reward for players who chose driver on this tee.