Jeff,
I don't mean to correct you, but, this isn't the first time that the Medalist will smell the ether.
I sometimes don't get the concept of "ranking".
When that question is asked, "how does X course rank ?" I always ask, in what context.
Difficulty ?
Fun ?
Conditions ?
Quality of the playing surfaces "
Enjoyment ?
Desire to play it on a repeat basis ?
Desire to play it to the exclusion of all others ?
So what does "ranking" mean ?
Seminole is simply fantastic.
The playing surfaces are spectacular, as is the architecture and............................ the wind.
Pine Tree's playing surfaces are also excellent and the architecture is excellent.
Pine Tree lacks the topography that Seminole enjoys and doesn't get quite as much wind.
I really like Indian Creek, it's very user friendly, but, I wouldn't quite put it in a category with Seminole, Pine Tree and Boca Rio.
Most natural South Florida courses are flat, dead flat.
Seminole, Jupiter Hills and CC of Florida are three that seem the exception.
I had a discussion the other day with some fairly good golfers (6) , one had recently played Doral Blue.
His comment: It was too hard.
There was and may still be, a tendency to equate difficulty with quality architecture.
I want a challenge that's fun to meet, not one that beats you down on every hole.
Unfortunately, South Florida's courses often have water right and left, which when combined with good breezes, produces excess profits for the ball manufacturers.
But, the real problem won't be cured until the I&B get dialed back.
Three days ago a good friend of mine played with some Pros, one was one of the longer drivers on the European Tour.
My friend's drives are in the 280-320 range.
He said that the Pros hit their 3-woods further than his driver.
My friend hits a very long iron.
On one hole he indicated that he hit an 8-iron and that from the same distance, the Pros hit wedge.
He couldn't believe it.
In fact, he became so demoralized, that he stopped playing after 14 holes and just watched them because he was worn out from trying to keep up with them and lost his timing.
While Seminole, Pine Tree, Boca Rio, Indian Creek and other South Florida courses present all the challenge in the world for me, in order to challenge the best players in the world, don't courses have to be gimmicked up, or made unbearably hard for the average golfer.
Is Doral the new template ?
This summer, from the back tees Kevin Stadler shot a new course record at Shinnecock and, he could easily have been 4 shots or more lower.
Absent wind, I won't say that South Florida and Long Island courses are defenseless, but, against PGA Tour Pros, I don't think that there is a reasonable defense.