7th at Pebble Beach

[James Boon]

I just got a copy of the latest Golf World over here in the UK, the July Edition, and there is a great annotated aerial photo of Pebble Beach. The thing which really stood out for me was the notes for the 7th hole:

The iconic 7th hole, a tiny 109 yard par 3, wouldn't have happened if Jack Nicklaus had designed Pebble. "I'd have probably walked right by it, because it doesn't look there's enough room for a hole."

As most modern courses don't seem to have these joyful little par 3s anymore, I'd be interested to hear peoples comments on this quote (article doesn't state from when) from Jack Nicklaus? Personally, it always winds me up when there is a one hundred and something yard walk between holes and it looks like you could squeeze a cute little par 3 in that land...

Cheers,

James

[Ally Mcintosh]

Personally, it always winds me up when there is a one hundred and something yard walk between holes and it looks like you could squeeze a cute little par 3 in that land...

But in many cases you would end up with a 19 hole course...

Think Ron Whitten has an article in Golf Digest talking about all the changes over the years etc...

[Ronald Montesano]

#13 at Merion is the epitome on the east coast for me (having not seen Pine Valley, et al.)  Pitch it in there, avoid the bunkers, have a run at deuce.  Take it for granted for one iota of a moment and it will cost you.  Pebble's 7th is unique for the complete exposure to the wind and the potential shift from sand wedge to 5 iron on hurricane-force days of wind.

The key, in my estimation, is to find a way to protect a smallish green with something along the sides, while leaving at least four hole locations on the green, while making the green undulating and interesting, while...in other words, no easy task.

[Terry Thornton]

The key, in my estimation, is to find a way to protect a smallish green with something along the sides, while leaving at least four hole locations on the green, while making the green undulating and interesting, while...in other words, no easy task.

Ronald, a very close description of the 7th at Barnbougle Dunes. The hole, which plays at about 110yds, has ample room to be much longer but any added distance would add to the walk to the 8th tee, which is probably the longest such walk on the course

[Anthony Gray]

  Every course should have one.

  Anthony

[Matthew Rose]

Playing at 99 yards today, according to NBC graphic.

Is this the first tournament hole to break 100?

[Tim Gavrich]

Playing at 99 yards today, according to NBC graphic.

Is this the first tournament hole to break 100?

Matthew--

They have been saying that #7 is shorter than any other US Open hole post-WWII, which leads me to believe that there were some holes that were shorter than 99.

Also, how can people praise the 7th at Pebble Beach but lambast a hole like #9 at Caledonia, which is a very similar kind of hole?  Big double-standard.

[Jay Flemma]

Playing at 99 yards today, according to NBC graphic.

Is this the first tournament hole to break 100?

No...it ties for shortest U.S. Open hole...10 at inwood C.C. is also 99 yards and was in 1923 for the Open.  Rand Jerris confirmed.

[John Moore II]

I think this is a devil of a hole. Very tough to work a shot into that front hole location, even with a lob wedge. What a concept. A difficult lob shot. I like just about any type of really short par 3, myself.

[Tim Bert]

Is there a hole on the course that has been less interesting to watch than this one today?  It has been over an hour and a half since anyone differentiated a tee shot good or bad here. I think the pin they've got toda makes this a bore with no options when the greens are as firm as they are right now.

[Tim Bert]

For the record I posted that exactly 1 minute before Johnson almost holed out from the tee.

[John Moore II]

For the record I posted that exactly 1 minute before Johnson almost holed out from the tee.

That kid Johnson is amazing. Just totally amazing. Really fun to watch for sure. That was an awesome shot.

[Mark Buzminski]

I found Ian Poulter's tirade after his tee shot at #7 today humorous.   He, like much of the rest of the field (except for Dustin Johnson) blew his 60* wedge through the back of the green.  The camera then stayed on him as he yelled out "HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO PLAY TO THAT?!!?"   I'm assuming he was being critical of the pin postion and saying that it was basically in a position that was inaccessible.  Someone should show him Johnson's shot, which was a kick in birdie.   I think it's a great hole.   99 yards today, playing over par.   Today's pin really demanded a great shot for a birdie opportunity.

[John Moore II]

I think its quite interesting that a 99 yard hole that plays over par is lauded and said to be great while a 225 yard hole that plays over par is said to be unfair. Seems to me that the 225 yard hole is the easier shot. Other than Dustin Johnson, no one in the last however many groups hit a shot on the front 1/3 of that green, everyone else (that I saw) was on the back part of the green or even in the rough. I just don't get it.

[Bill Brightly]

I found Ian Poulter's tirade after his tee shot at #7 today humorous.   He, like much of the rest of the field (except for Dustin Johnson) blew his 60* wedge through the back of the green.  The camera then stayed on him as he yelled out "HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO PLAY TO THAT?!!?"   I'm assuming he was being critical of the pin postion and saying that it was basically in a position that was inaccessible.  Someone should show him Johnson's shot, which was a kick in birdie.   I think it's a great hole.   99 yards today, playing over par.   Today's pin really demanded a great shot for a birdie opportunity.

Yeah, I hope he watches Sports Center and sees how Johnson hit the front of the green with spin and had a one footer....That will answer Poulters pouty question!

[Kevin Pallier]

James

I love the setting and distance combined with the elevation change. It's a priceless combination for mine.

[John Moore II]

James

I love the setting and distance combined with the elevation change. It's a priceless combination for mine.

OK, sure, its a great combination, but how great a hole is it really? I mean, guys can't get a lob wedge to hold the green? Thats as bad as having to hit a 3 wood into that kitchen table size area on the back of 17.

[Jordan Wall]

Is there a hole on the course that has been less interesting to watch than this one today?  It has been over an hour and a half since anyone differentiated a tee shot good or bad here. I think the pin they've got toda makes this a bore with no options when the greens are as firm as they are right now.

Why the hate?

I have a feeling if you put 7 at Pebble on Cypress and had the pros play it, it would immediately become 'more interesting' to watch to you, no?

Do you not like the hole?

[Greg Tallman]

  Every course should have one.

  Anthony

And so we shall. Ironically our new 7th will be on a little outcropping in the ocean that Jack may have "walked right by" back in 1990. Better late than never and it will be a major improvement to an already wonderful golf course.

[Wayne_Kozun]

Poulter tweeted this after his round:

fun round of golf, you dont like my comment on the 7th, well the green was hard to hold but dustin hit it to 6" so i guess im just pants LOL

[John Moore II]

Is there a hole on the course that has been less interesting to watch than this one today?  It has been over an hour and a half since anyone differentiated a tee shot good or bad here. I think the pin they've got toda makes this a bore with no options when the greens are as firm as they are right now.

Why the hate?

I have a feeling if you put 7 at Pebble on Cypress and had the pros play it, it would immediately become 'more interesting' to watch to you, no?

Do you not like the hole?

You could put that hole anywhere and it would be no more or less silly than it was yesterday. We bitch about pro's not being able to hit the green with 3 woods and long irons, but think its the best thing ever that they can't hold the green with wedges? Thats a really stupid double standard. And this doesn't even have anything to do with being out of position, they are in the only possible position and can't hold the green. Something is either not right with that picture, or the 17th is looking like a better hole by the minute.

[Wayne_Kozun]

The wind makes a big difference as when the hole plays into a breeze, even a light breeze, it is much easier to hold the green.

[Jordan Wall]

Is there a hole on the course that has been less interesting to watch than this one today?  It has been over an hour and a half since anyone differentiated a tee shot good or bad here. I think the pin they've got toda makes this a bore with no options when the greens are as firm as they are right now.

Why the hate?

I have a feeling if you put 7 at Pebble on Cypress and had the pros play it, it would immediately become 'more interesting' to watch to you, no?

Do you not like the hole?

You could put that hole anywhere and it would be no more or less silly than it was yesterday. We bitch about pro's not being able to hit the green with 3 woods and long irons, but think its the best thing ever that they can't hold the green with wedges? Thats a really stupid double standard. And this doesn't even have anything to do with being out of position, they are in the only possible position and can't hold the green. Something is either not right with that picture, or the 17th is looking like a better hole by the minute.

I don't think there's a double standard anywhere, and actually what you just said is pretty clueless.

Any one of the pro's out there could hit that green and hold it - easily.

Dustin Johnson, John?  All it takes is a well executed shot, and that should be easy from, oh, 99 yards downhill.

[John Moore II]

Jordan, I saw Dustin Johnson's shot on 7 and jumped out of my seat yelling. Now, name me 10 other golfers who hit a ball within 10 feet of that pin on their tee shot yesterday.

And maybe if you'd read the thread about 17 you'd see what I mean. 17 is said to be horrific, unfair, terrible, etc., because guys can't get shots to hold on the green. Yet, 7 is praised and its equally difficult to hold that green. You tell me.

But by all means, to go back to my first point, name me 10 golfers who hit a tee shot within 10 feet of that pin on #7 yesterday, excluding Dustin Johnson (and based on what he said while that ball was in the air, I think he didn't hit that shot like he wanted. Sounded to me like he thought he'd dumped it in the front bunker)

[Scott Warren]

10 people made birdie yesterday, John. (57 pars, 16 bogeys)