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2018 PGA Tour Running Thread

Discussion in 'Sports and News' started by Chef2, Jan 8, 2018.

Page 23 of 63
  1. I Should Coco

    I Should Coco Well-Known Member

    Just wondering, Chef, how much of a break those famed (and expensive) public courses give via the white and/or senior tees.

    For instance, Cog Hill's famous Dubsdread is 7,554 from the tips, but 1,200 yards shorter from the white tees. Obviously it's still the same greens, hazards, etc., but at least us hackers who shoot in the 90s (or worse) and hit about 225 from the tee get a little break.

    (Personally, Cog Hill No. 2 was always plenty of course for me when I lived in Chicagoland ... and much more affordable).
     
    I Should Coco, Feb 20, 2018
    #265
  2. Michael_ Gee

    Michael_ Gee Well-Known Member

    It all depends. Eastward Ho! on Cape Cod is ranked one of the 100 best in the country, and it is more than tough enough for any pro. It only has whites and ladies tees, and isn't 6000 yards long. The perpetual 20 mph or more wind off the elbow of the Cape however, makes up for it. It has a par-5 that's 420 yards, and I defy anyone on this board to reach it in two, as it's straight into the wind. Course record is 67.
     
    Michael_ Gee, Feb 20, 2018
    #266
  3. Evil ... Thy name is Orville Redenbacher!!

    Evil ... Thy name is Orville Redenbacher!! Well-Known Member

    Another reason I'll stand in line to drop - $100 ? -to play Bethpage Black.
     
    Evil ... Thy name is Orville Redenbacher!!, Feb 20, 2018
    #267
  4. playthrough

    playthrough Moderator Staff Member

    No doubt about it. Dye hasn't been thrilled with all the tweaks in recent years, including turning 12 into a driveable par-4. He's never believed in those, but they're good for TV so the Tour pushed it through.

    Those "expensive" memberships you mentioned were (I think) $25,000, a lot of money back then but a pittance now for a nationally renowned course. When I played there regularly a few years ago, the few remaining guys with memberships had the first couple tee times every day. "The Munchkins" were very old but could still play, one was around 90 and a former Tour winner. But over a year's time, that's more than $1 million in $500 greens fees (plus all the other money tourists drop there), so once The Munchkins are gone there won't be any more members at the Stadium Course.
     
    playthrough, Feb 20, 2018
    #268
  5. hondo

    hondo Well-Known Member

    The 90-something former Tour winner is Billy Maxwell. One of the most delightful guys I ever interviewed.
     
    hondo, Feb 20, 2018
    #269
  6. playthrough

    playthrough Moderator Staff Member

    Thank you! I had "Billy" rolling around my head last night and for the life of me couldn't remember his last name.
     
    playthrough, Feb 21, 2018
    #270
  7. Double Down

    Double Down Well-Known Member

    I don't think you stand in line anymore, which is sort of a bummer. It's $130 for non-NY residents and it's all booked on-line.

    The original deal was $31.

    Black Magic
     
    Double Down, Feb 21, 2018
    #271
  8. lcjjdnh

    lcjjdnh Well-Known Member

    Tiger is back!!!!
     
    lcjjdnh, Feb 22, 2018
    #272
  9. Cosmo

    Cosmo Well-Known Member

    SQUEE!
     
    Cosmo, Feb 22, 2018
    #273
  10. playthrough

    playthrough Moderator Staff Member

    BEAR TRAP!
     
    playthrough, Feb 22, 2018
    #274
  11. Chef2

    Chef2 Well-Known Member

    Decent card so far.
    2 birdies and a bogey.
    Did manage to make par from Cuba.
    EDIT:
    3 birdies, bogey and a horrific double on a downwind par 5.
    Seems like he hit the ball really really well.
    Even par 70.
     
    Last edited: Feb 22, 2018
    Chef2, Feb 22, 2018
    #275
  12. Deskgrunt50

    Deskgrunt50 Well-Known Member

    The online tee time system at Bethpage is pretty clunky. Best bet is still to get there at the crack of dawn and jump in line.

    The secret about Bethpage is it's often easier to get on the Black Course than it is the Red Course (which is also outstanding). You can take a cart on the Red. No carts scares a lot of people away from the Black.

    If there's a big event on the Black in a certain year, it gets tougher. They have the PGA next year, so a lot of folks will try to get on the bad boy.

    Still no better deal in golf than $65 (for a NY resident) to play the Black. Hell, the $130 isn't bad for a non-resident.
     
    Deskgrunt50, Feb 23, 2018
    #276
    Evil ... Thy name is Orville Redenbacher!! and Double Down like this.
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