[ChipOat]

With apologies to those who have not played Merion.

First, the updates.

1) Fairways and greens in excellent condition.  Greens are VERY fast.

2) Fairways not as firm and fast as last summer due to several days of rain.

3) Fairways very narrow and all shifted towards the OB where relevant.

4) In deference to the real world, the rough is playable.

5) Fairway on 18 extended back to edge of quarry will make for some "interesting" 275+ yard approaches if someone misses their tee shot.

6) 12th green is coming along nicely; still very severe slope, but now playable.

7) 15th green is also now playable; still plenty of pitch, though

5th green is still impossible.  I plan to spend time there in 2013 and see just how good those guys really are.

9)  Unless it rains and the ground is soft, the power draw on #14 still looks like the only tee shot that will stay in the fairway.

New reports (from me, at least)

1) The three new bunkers (#'s 2,15 and 16) are strategically excellent IMO and they look like they've been there as long as the others.  A great job all the way around.

2) It will be interesting to see how the players handle the drive on #15.  Although the dogleg right, the contour of the ground and the new fairway bunker would seem to beg for the power fade, the line for that shot is directly at the OB which is angling towards the tee box along Golf House Road.  A double cross or the dreaded straight ball and the player's next shot will be his third.  I wonder if the play, however counter-intuitive, isn't a big draw out over the right rough and back toward the fairway.  The OB is much further away and the fairway begins to slope uphill at that point.  The danger, of course, is that the rough will be hip high down the right side, so no draw = no chance.

3) The new bunker on #2 up near the green = lay-up unless the drive is perfect.  I like that.

4) The famed #16 has a completely different character than in any previous championship.  Because there is no room to add another tee box, the hole, which is already downhill, is now of relatively modest length (not for me).  With the new bunker down the left side, and the quarry quite reachable for today's contestants, #16 will be a "layup hole" off the tee.  Never thought I'd see that.

[Mark McKeever]

Chip,

Any pictures of the new bunkers?  I haven't been down to see them yet, but have heard mixed opinions.

Mark

[ChipOat]

Mark,

You really need an aerial shot to see where they "fit" in how the three holes will play.  Any ground level pix would look like all the other bunkers on the course.

Chip 

[JESII]

Chip,

I disagree with your assessment of the green surface work done but can live with it as I understand your position based on prior threads.

The bunker work is a whole other matter in my opinion.

The bunker on 2 is out of place and will dictate a type of golf nobody wants to see or play. Why not put another in the middle of the 11th fairway? I've heard it was built so that someone going for the green in two cannot get away with a misshit. Are we making a determined effort to eliminate luck for the sake of mere fractions of a stroke?

#15 does two things; first it will redirect players eye line to a more advantageous position in the left center. With 3 irons and hybrids in hand the number of balls OB is limited anyway. Second, it will be easier for the US Open guys to hit a 7 iron out of a fairway bunker than the rough but you and I will be on our way to double bogey when we find it.

#16 - can't disagree with you too much because it really is a lay up hole now unless it's into alot of wind or really cold.

[Patrick_Mucci]

Chip Oat,

If the US Open wasn't coming to Merion would you endorse these alterations ?

Will there be more alterations ?

Who is the conceptual force/source for these alterations ?

[JSlonis]

Based on all the work that has been done to Merion over that past few years, my only conclusion is that in this day and age, they have "forced" a US Open upon this great course.

Fairways narrowed and shifted oddly, new tees forced in strange spots, bunkers added where they have never existed, greens redesigned...I'm surprised so much was done.  Merion was always a great golf course, one of my favorites, but with all the changes, I can't help but think the game's very best players will never view this course in the proper context.

I really hope it all works next June, but I have my doubts.

[Sam Morrow]

Based on all the work that has been done to Merion over that past few years, my only conclusion is that in this day and age, they have "forced" a US Open upon this great course.

Fairways narrowed and shifted oddly, new tees forced in strange spots, bunkers added where they have never existed, greens redesigned...I'm surprised so much was done.  Merion was always a great golf course, one of my favorites, but with all the changes, I can't help but think the game's very best players will never view this course in the proper context.

I really hope it all works next June, but I have my doubts.

Do you think the Open at Merion will be a one and done type thing or does it get back in the rotation?

[ChipOat]

Sully,

William Fownes, when he built Oakmont, said that "a shot poorly played should be a shot irretrievably lost."  Do you feel the same way about Oakmont as you do about the new bunker on the second hole at Merion?

Patrick,

Open or no Open, I do like the bunker on #2 and, as you know, I do like the softening of the slope of the 12th and 15th greens for everyday play.  I also like the extension of the 18th fairway back to the edge of the quarry although it is strategically irrelevant to all but U.S. Open competitors.  Even so, I like it.  I also like the angle of the new tee box on #7.

Ex- the U.S. Open, I wouldn't see the point of the other two bunkers as the golf course is already difficult enough.  For the same reason, I also wouldn't see the point of uber narrow fairways or the new, extra length tee boxes that have been built on #'s 3,4,5,6,9,12,14,15 and 18.

However, the Open IS coming to Merion, so IMO all of the above additions are desirable.  Those in my first paragraph are positive permanent additions (also IMO).

As to the second paragraph, the bunkers will probably stay and I think that's fine.  I sincerely hope that the fairways are re-widened as planned and I wonder about the maintenance expense of maintaining nine tee boxes that will get little or no use.  I don't know what the plans are for those.

As to other changes, I haven't asked, so I don't know.

Also, I don't know who is largely responsible for these additions.  Fazio?  Mike Davis?  I haven't asked although I'm sure it isn't a secret.

[JSlonis]

Based on all the work that has been done to Merion over that past few years, my only conclusion is that in this day and age, they have "forced" a US Open upon this great course.

Fairways narrowed and shifted oddly, new tees forced in strange spots, bunkers added where they have never existed, greens redesigned...I'm surprised so much was done.  Merion was always a great golf course, one of my favorites, but with all the changes, I can't help but think the game's very best players will never view this course in the proper context.

I really hope it all works next June, but I have my doubts.

Do you think the Open at Merion will be a one and done type thing or does it get back in the rotation?

Good question and I really don't know the answer. I'm not a member, but if I was, I'd hope it was a one and done and they'd push the golf course back out to a fun and more playable width for everyone.

[Sam Morrow]

Based on all the work that has been done to Merion over that past few years, my only conclusion is that in this day and age, they have "forced" a US Open upon this great course.

Fairways narrowed and shifted oddly, new tees forced in strange spots, bunkers added where they have never existed, greens redesigned...I'm surprised so much was done.  Merion was always a great golf course, one of my favorites, but with all the changes, I can't help but think the game's very best players will never view this course in the proper context.

I really hope it all works next June, but I have my doubts.

Do you think the Open at Merion will be a one and done type thing or does it get back in the rotation?

Good question and I really don't know the answer. I'm not a member, but if I was, I'd hope it was a one and done and they'd push the golf course back out to a fun and more playable width for everyone.

I really don't know what Merion or the USGA is thinking but I was bored yesterday and looking at the venues of the last 25 or so years and I don't think it's going to be back in the rotation. Maybe more often than every 30 years but not much. It seems like the USGA has a semi-set rotation and it will be interesting to see how Erin Hills and Chambers Bay play into it.

[ChipOat]

Jeff Slonis,

How is Merion no longer as good (or great) from 7000 yards with three new bunkers as it was in 1981, 1971, 1950 or 1934?

The narrow fairways are SOP for U.S. Open set-ups.  The green complexes are no different and, without the left green-side bunker, one could argue that #14 is actually a touch easier.

Given today's arsenal of wedges, the bunkers' degree of difficulty is no greater than in 1930, '34, etc.

What is so flawed now that was perfectly marvelous before?

As to "one and done", that will depend on the weather (which will largely determine the scores).  Since Merion is not the most financially attractive venue for the USGA, it may never again be as "regular" as Pebble, Pinehurst, Olympic, Oakmont, Bethpage, Winged Foot, etc.  But, unless the course is soft and wet and the tournament scoring record falls, like Ah-nold, "they'll be back".

[JSlonis]

Jeff Slonis,

How is Merion no longer as good (or great) from 7000 yards with three new bunkers as it was in 1981, 1971, 1950 or 1934?

The narrow fairways are SOP for U.S. Open set-ups.  The green complexes are no different and, without the left green-side bunker, one could argue that #14 is actually a touch easier.

Given today's arsenal of wedges, the bunkers' degree of difficulty is no greater than in 1930, '34, etc.

What is so flawed now that was perfectly marvelous before?

As to "one and done", that will depend on the weather (which will largely determine the scores).  Since Merion is not the most financially attractive venue for the USGA, it may never again be as "regular" as Pebble, Pinehurst, Olympic, Oakmont, Bethpage, Winged Foot, etc.  But, unless the course is soft and wet and the tournament scoring record falls, like Ah-nold, "they'll be back".

Jeff is actually my brothers name, but I'll answer instead.  . Where to begin?

1. All the green complexes are not the same.

2. I don't agree with the addition of the bunker on #2 and the shape and construction of the bunkers on #15 do not match others on the course.

3.  Have you seen the location of the new tee on #14? I don't see how you could possibly say this could be easier. The hole was 430 yds and is now close to 500 yds and half the fairway has been taken over by rough. I'd also argue that the mound next to the green in place of the bunker could make the approach harder not easier.  With the new back tee and a longer approach, the player now has to worry about a ball that's hooked deflecting off the mound toward the OB. The old bunker would catch those shots before and most top players are excellent bunker players.

4. I don't think you can just gloss over the fact that the fairways have been narrowed. Yes they are playing the Open there, but we have to compare what is actually on the ground now, with what existed prior. The extreme narrowing takes away much of the strategic nature that made Merion so great in the first place.

5. Unfortunately, the lengthening of Merion ended up being a bit odd compared to lengthening of other great courses.  With the defined boundaries of the course, many holes that could've used more length couldn't get it and holes that really didn't need any, ended up with the extra yardage. In my view, a hole like #3 never needs to be played from 265 yds.

I love Merion, I really do. I don't mean to be harsh. My view of the current form of Merion is based on my worry that the players in the Open might think its a bit contrived. There is no question that most of the green complexes are world class, but they aren't built to handle speeds of 12-13+ that has been mentioned, especially if they are firm.  I played the Hugh Wilson for many years, before all these changes. One year we had a very warm and dry spring and they let the setup get out of hand, the course was nearly unplayable.

I really think Mike Davis has a good handle on course setup and I hope it works next year. I also hope the players "get it" and that they don't just see Merion as a tricked up old classic course.

[Patrick_Mucci]

Chip Oat,

Certain factions within clubs will always want to host tournaments, especially Majors, and once a club hosts a major that same faction wants another.

So the question is, where does the disfiguration in pursuit of tournaments end ?

Had I or anyone else suggested these changes five years ago we would have been vilified, accused of disfiguring a great course, but somehow, in the context of pursuing and hosting a tournament/major these changes are accepted as necessary improvements.

I understand that improvements in the I&B have rendered courses that remain static, obsolete in terms of providing a challenge to the best players in the world.

So, a related question is:  is the need to alter and beef up hosting venues a concession on the USGA's part indirectly acknowledging that they let the genie out of the bottle regarding equipment and that they need to defend par in order to minimize awareness of that fact ?  

[Tom ORourke]

I have been to a few Opens with the new Mike Davis setup of graduated rough. I feel that the spectators get pushed way back from the fairway to add the extra layer of semi. Is there enough room at Merion for this or will it go from fairway directly to rough, or maybe a narrow short cut? Are you seeing any outline of the rough yet?

[ChipOat]

JSlonis,

Please excuse my mis-identification.

As to the items in your post:

1) I don't agree that the green complexes have been changed over the years other than #5 being allowed to seemingly become unplayable from many places on/around the green.  That problem on #'s 12 and 15 has been effectively dealt with IMO.  Other than removing the left bunker on #14, what examples can you give of any changes.  P.S.  We may disagree on the definition of "change".

2) Our opinions are different.

3) I was speaking only of the green complex on #14 being somewhat less difficult - not the ball striking part.

4) For the umpteenth time on this and other threads, the uber narrow fairways are a) standard U.S. Open set-up and b) not intended to be anything more than temporary.  Therefore, I do gloss over them in terms of permanent change to the playing characteristics of the golf course because they're not.

5) Your facts are correct but I disagree that a) "the holes that got length didn't need it" (I think they did) and b) "the third hole never needs to be played from 265 yards."  That's going to be a 3 or 4 iron (uphill) for some of those guys (not all of them).  I think that a front pin from back there would be unsuitable, but, other than that, "never" is a long time.

Patrick:

There you go with "disfiguration" again.  You make it sound as if the East Course belongs in a hospital burn ward or trauma center.

OF COURSE they let the genie out of the bottle.  Has that ever been a question?

Tom:

No first cut of rough at this time.  Spectator room at Merion has always been limited.

 

[Patrick_Mucci]

Chip Oat,

Had I suggested the exact same changes five years ago I would have been accused of disfiguring a great golf course.

Would you agree with that statement ?

[ChipOat]

By others, perhaps - but not by me.

Other than the work on the 12th and 15th greens, which I endorse under all circumstances, I might have said something like, "Absent a U.S. Open, why bother?".  However, with apologies for being repetitive, the U.S. Open IS coming to Merion.

Besides, the language of what you would have been accused of by others is irrelevant to the language you use yourself.

IMO, your use of the word "disfiguration" is way too strong (even if I was on your side of this debate).

[jonathan_becker]

chipoat,

Where is the new bunker down the left side on #16 relative to this photo?  The shot is from two years ago.

[JESII]

About 15 or 20 yards ahead and 15 or 20 yard to the right.

[jonathan_becker]

About 15 or 20 yards ahead and 15 or 20 yard to the right.

Thanks

[Mark Bourgeois]

Does anyone know if the stop sign on 14 has been permanently secured? Does it remain vulnerable to forced removal?

[JESII]

I don't know Mark, but I'll be disappointed if they remove it.

Rarely have I seen a better chance to prove you have a sense of humor than this...

[ChipOat]

Jonathan,

Sully got it right.  One other thing - the bunker in the picture has been removed (not sure why).

Mark,

I have been assured the Stop sign will be removed for tournament week (sorry, Sully).

[Patrick_Mucci]

By others, perhaps - but not by me.

Other than the work on the 12th and 15th greens, which I endorse under all circumstances, I might have said something like, "Absent a U.S. Open, why bother?".  However, with apologies for being repetitive, the U.S. Open IS coming to Merion.

Besides, the language of what you would have been accused of by others is irrelevant to the language you use yourself.

IMO, your use of the word "disfiguration" is way too strong (even if I was on your side of this debate).

ChipOat,

I guess my use of the word "disfigure" serves a number of purposes,
1.     To describe my perspective..
2.     To signal that the course is now "free game", open to random and numerous alterations that, over time, will squeeze the distinctive life, style   
         And quality of the architecture out of existence.
3.     That this is the first or one of the first dominos to fall

It's a harsh term, but if you examine, historically, how course after course morphed because green committees and boards, decided to alter the course to suit their particular tastes, you'll begin to see how the slightest select changes morph into systemic changes. 

Rarely does an alteration take place in a vacuum or absent predisposition.
Rarely does an alteration occur because of objective consideration, thus the motivation for change is often agenda driven, and at clubs, with continually changing leadership, comes continually changing agendas, ergo disfiguration.

Hope that helps

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[John Ezekowitz]

I must say I am not really a fan of the new bunker on the left on 16. The bunker feels forced and to my eye does not really lay with the rest of the land on the left of the hole. Shots that land in it would likely be at least partially blocked out if they had continued further left down the rough line. In that case, the player faces a relatively short shot from thick rough either over or around the trees on the left side of the quarry. If a pro can execute a 150 yard shot from rough over a tree to an elevated green, I say more power to him.

My only other comment is that when we through numbers around like 265 for the 3rd, we have to remember that Mike Davis's track record has never been to use the full yardage all of the time on long par threes in recent Opens. I think the 3rd will play longer than 240 on only one day of the four.

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