Brookledge proves taking out trees is not just a private club trend. It took out hundreds of them between 2-3, behind and alongside 7 green, and between 13-14. To say everybody loves the changes would be an understatement. It has opened up views, increased playability, and stimulated better conditions. As a result, its popularity has exploded, making it one of the busiest courses in the area.
(The 366/331 yard par four second doglegs left with trees on the inside and two traps on the outside guarding the turn. It’s imperative one does not take a too aggressive line and get blocked out. A pushed up green with a hard right to left slope makes this a very difficult approach shot. Par is a good score.)
(This is an interesting view from three tee of the par five seventh. It’s a 493/471 yard hole that doglegs slightly right before climbing the hill to perched green. Note the pie shaped upper tier in the rear of the putting surface. It influences almost every putt, and is very difficult to access when the pin is on it.)
Over the past ten to twelve years, Brookledge has changed the most out of the three courses I’m updating. My old pics show several tight corridors that are now very forgiving. I’d love to see them continue the good work and trim out the trees between five and seven, and open up the par three twelth. Both would really enhance the golf experience.
(The 197/170 yard par three fourteenth has a couple different looks depending on which tee box is used The green slopes to the back left. A draw aimed at the tree can funnel to the rear half of the putting surface. A creek guards the left side of the green awaiting a pull or too aggressive shot.)
(The 433/398 yard par four fifteenth is the longest two shotter on the back and demands a long second shot that carries to the putting surface. There is a flat spot short that will help the ball from going long.)
Since I started the blog, my writing style has changed, and so has my views on golf architecture. Art Hills designed Brookledge in 1992, and I initially loved how he brought strategy and execution into the municipal world. I feel his low profile work rises above what people are expecting, and Brookledge is a prime example of this. My original rating was a bit overzealous, but the work they’ve done, makes it warranted. Call me a homer, my 70 here is still my lowest score ever, but I’m going to keep my 6 (very good)(worth driving two hours to play).
(A couple poor swings cost me in my match against Missy. Hooks on five and ten led to triple bogeys. She chipped in twice and made a couple 8-12 foot putts. Usually I’m the one with the short game heroics. Besides those two holes, my overall game was solid. I’m slowly getting back to my old self.)
(The 386/356 yard par four eighteenth is a dogleg right. One must hit it far enough to get by the trees or favor the left side…
…the approach is hit to a slightly elevated green on a right to left axis. The bunker guards the left and rear pin positions. Surprisingly, par is tougher than one expects. The branches on the last tree always seems to be in the way.)
[This is the third in a series of three updated blogs from 2013-14.]
Blog 522
No comments:
Post a Comment