They did flip the nines.
When I arrived the Friday before the tournament, the fairways were running unbelievably,
and the greens were very firm, and fast.
I was getting 30+ yards of roll on many fairways. Approach shots with anything other than
wedges were releasing 20+ feet.
The greens were the best I have seen in years.
As far as the trees, (using the tournament order). #3 was possibly a bit tight, but I don't think so.
# 6 bottle necked pretty severely, and IMO could be opened a bit, especially given to severity of the approach shot.
#9 was one of my 2 least favorite holes. In to the wind I had a hard time reaching the right side of the fairway, and hitting
it up the left, I was blocked by trees. Going over them, was also going in to the prevailing wind, and blind. A couple of trees
removed would get my vote at least!
On the back (tournament), I felt there was plenty of space off the tee.
18 was my least favorite hole in the practice rounds. From the post, I couldn't reach the fairway with normal wind, without
killing one. Then was left in rough with the most difficult green on the course (approach shot).
The course was very tough. They must have some pretty tough members! Missing greens almost always left a recovery
with a very small success target. There were a few pitch shots that I didn't think I could get on the green.
I definitely felt it was set up for the player controlling his approach shots best. Missing greens left brutal recovery shots.
Toughest course I've played in many, many years, but I never felt it was stupid, or the dreaded "unfair" (not sure what that means).
Just an tough ass examination of your ability to hit your targets.