It was unusually hot at the 94 Open, I remember because I had just opened my biz and we were not fully prepared for printing t's in 90+ degree weather.
I don't remember the specifics, but I thought it was beautiful for the two recent Opens. Anyone getting sunburned has no excuse, that's like claiming you didn't know cigarettes were harmful....
There is no bigger fan of the tree removal at Oakmont, and frankly everywhere, than I. I think trees are an awful component of "strategy" in golf. But I also am wild off the tee, so I'm sure many would claim I'm biased.
Some people like isolation on a golf course. I call those people hermits and misanthropes. A huge part of why I enjoy golf is the social element.
It's funny to me that someone on here commented favorably on Oakmont's terrain. Superficially, it is no different than the rest of western PA. Yet there are tons of golf courses in these parts, and only one Oakmont. It speaks to the genius of Fownes.
I wouldn't advocate clear cutting a site like Medinah...but I probably wouldn't fight against it, either.