None of this work has anything to do with making it harder or lack of interest.
As usual, it starts with fixing a perceived infrastructural issue (in this case removing the 14th hole for access to a lengthened driving range) and then goes to town after that.
Reading the proposal that Ben just posted, it seems the initiator of this project was the similar orientation of three of the par-3’s which then knocked on to practice area benefits.
Recalling the conversation where Ben saw this as important to rectify on courses whilst other architects less so, it is a good example of how different orders of priorities can drive very different solutions.
From a personal perspective, I find it disappointing that 14 is the hole that disappears. It was my favourite of the four par-3’s and it will leave an unnaturally long walk between the 13th green and the old 15th tees (new 14th). The major changes to the old 15th to accommodate the new par-3 are also a little concerning. It is perhaps my favourite hole on the course.
As always - of course - there are changes to every hole, some relatively minor, some major (like the 5th which appears interesting from the render).
Funnily enough, there are no sand scrapes. I would have thought that Birkdale - with its large dunes - was a better 3D fit for blow-outs and scrapes than the many flatter courses where M&E have implemented them.
All that said, I look forward to returning once the work is done. I’ve enjoyed a couple of the Tom MacKenzie remodels I’ve played, Trevose being the first example that comes to mind.