by Tim Nugent, ASGCA
Your analysis is very good. You have stated the prolem and developed a solution. However, what we Architects must constantly leep in mind is only 1 fraction of 1% of the 36 million golfers in the country play golf at that level. An architect's mission is to defend par. The ability for a few outstanding player to bring clasic designs to their knees has to be balanced with the enjoyment of the 99.999% of the golfing public. While your suggestions on how we Architects could toughen up courses are valid for that instance, what about the short hitters and higher handicappers. These make up more than 80% of golfers. In your make over of #17 NGL, where does the lady hitting from the forward tee or the seasoned citizen hitting from the #2 tee land? Sine multiple tees have been developed to equalize the course vs abilities of the golfing population, you find that the dilemma comes from the fact that the two classes above will have the same landing area as the scratch or even further ahead. And if the green is set up to make a high lofted spinning shot one that a pro would think twice about, what have you left for those of much lessor talent?