Myth #4: Yesterday vs. Tomorrow
The care
of a golf course and design should be major factors in joining a golf club. Fortunately,
Pinehurst has both, which is why we are all here. You have probably heard me
say how the golf course has evolved over time. Things change due to weather,
play, maintenance practices and green committees. Certainly, the game has
evolved too with technology, maintenance equipment and the climate.
The last major architecture change to
the club was the rebuilding of bunkers in 2000. Shortly after that the 2nd
green on the Maxwell changed as well. Since then, greens, tees, fairways have grown
tired.
Some see the Urbina plan as turning
the property back into what it was like in 1960 when the course opened for
play. For some clubs, this might be a good thing. But this is not true for
Pinehurst. Urbina’s plan is a reimagining of what Press Maxwell originally presented in the 60’s. As
the game has changed so should the design. If Press were still alive, how would
he modernize the course to keep interest and challenge for the membership.
We all know the real challenge of the
property is in the green complexes. Expanded greens allow for more pin
locations and a greater variety in shot selection. The bunkering will be
consistent in design with a hybrid of new and old locations. Bunkers will be
modernized and flow into the new green surrounds by moving closer to the putting
surface, while fairway bunkers (not rough bunkers) will be adjusted in location.
It is common for older courses such as
Pinehurst, to lose length over time with technology. Length can be improved by
lowering tees if it makes sense. Mr. Urbina will also explore adding length.
This myth of turning the course back in
time to obsolescence is not true. Last week we discussed the value of mature
trees on the property, we are not Oakmont. The Golf Renovation Plan is unique
to Pinehurst CC and it will breathe new life into this beautiful property. The
goal is to elevate playing conditions and keep you coming back to a course we
all know and love to play.
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