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« on: September 13, 2011, 05:35:50 PM »
Well, It was a pretty epic meltdown for me on Sunday but would like to thank Smitty and the DD crew for another great time in Hays.
I'm on the fence as far as the layout goes and was holding judgement 'till I thought about it a bit. One of the things which makes the course so fantastic is the staggering variety it has in it's typical format. Also, it helps to "know" the holes. Of course, plenty of variety is still there and was used.
I guess overall if it comes down to accommodating more players I'm Ok with the two course layout but in my opinion a few of the added holes were a bit lackluster. A few of the others seemed to me to have been difficult for difficulty's sake though I'm sure that wasn't the intent. The added holes on the west course were good and I think fit the course well. The point is that if nothing changed I would be happy to play Hays every year you would have me. But having said that I think I would prefer the original format.
After thinking about it, here are some general suggestions.
1. Hole 5 on the east course is obviously a tough design with a ballgame going on. No doubt just an oversite.
2. Hole 6. I'm sure the designers liked this one but in my opinion it was long for the sake of being long. I think it would play well moving the target up, giving the longer guys a chance at the two but still bringing bogey into play by going for it--either from the courts or OB over the dike. Oh, and I would move the target closer to the OB, like hole 8. Also it wouldn't necessarily be a gimme three for lower divisions.
3. 11? The long righty. Just my opinion, it looks like some real thought went into it, but I didn't like it. I'm sure it produced a real variety of scores but I'm wondering how big a variety. But bet it was a bunch. Seems to me it could be moved up and tucked right , giving a reasonable chance at the two with a great drive but also still with peril right and serious approach trouble left.
4. 15. Obviously simply open and relativity long with wind in play. Is there no way to play through the trees after 14? Maybe you were trying to eliminate a walk?
5. I prefer the Sunday hole 8 around to the right past the trees. Still tough with a good spread of scores and a bit less interference with 9.
6. In genearl the speed of play thing can be tough on Sunday. I'm not against longer holes at all and overall the Sunday setup is great, I would just suggest thinking about some of those longer holes and flow of play.
It's a great time at Hays and everybody who helps with it seems dedicated to make it that way. My opinions are just that: mine, so I hope no one takes it personally and I'm already looking forward to the 2012 Frontier Open!