I love a gentle handshake to start a golf round such as an open par 5 or a straightforward par 4. I've noticed this helps a lot with initial pace of play. I believe Pete Dye utilized this principle and I recently encountered this at Wabeek CC.

I got to play at one of the TFE events out here and it is an amazing use of the land and those greens are mind boggling. So much fun!

Living in Vermont, it seems like a lot of the first holes we have here are short/driveable par 4s with a road on the left. Always fun thing to see rolling to first tee straight from the parking lot!

Played in June during the massive heat wave and 30mph winds -- even with the crazy conditions what an absolute joy to play. The stretch from 6-7-8-9 is all world, and I really appreciate the care you see being taken with thoughtful improvements and a clear love of history. Member we played with was able to discuss all sort of interesting facts about the course that clearly come from membership that cares about the course and wants it to improve in the right ways. Great stuff Alex and team!

I grudgingly admit that I like to have a nice, wide open par-4 or par-5 that lets me swing away with the driver (err, tennis racket). My game isn't where it used to be and I find the big driver head to be the most forgiving. Speaking of fair, wide open openers, I look forward to seeing you and the other guys at Old Barnwell this October!

Kenosha Country Club in WI, a Donald Ross layout, I believe took a similar long term approach to renovating its course as well.

We need a Cameron drawing of the Punchbowl!

#2 is a biarritz and postage stamp combined? What a green.

Raynor always hits

Did anyone ask for a rule when Tiger or Furyk skipped the first week? This whole thing is silly.