Phil Was Right...What do you think?

I've been distracted lately and haven't been diligent in posting here.  But I'm back!

Three weeks ago at the PGA Championship at Atlanta Athletic Club, Phil Mickelson was interviewed after his first round.  He was complementary of the conditions and the golf course but was diplomatic in expressing his opinion of "the guy" (Rees Jones) who redesigned the major tournament venues for the professional ranks (including AAC) and in the process leaving a golf course behind that the every day member can't play.  It stirred up a little controversy.

The following day Jim Huber did a little commentary during the telecast defending the traditions, the conditions, the course and the membership at AAC.  Turns out Jim Huber is a member of AAC.  Naturally he would do such a thing...certainly if he wants to keep his membership!

Sunday evening after all the excitement the Golf Channel interviewed Tom Adderhold, who is the General Chairman of AAC.  Great person to invite in for discussion.  When asked about Phil's comments Mr. Adderhold replied with a little giggle as if to say "he's off his rocker!"  Then he followed up with the statement that, "The members at AAC have a choice of five tees and the can 'pick their punishment'."  Bingo!  Very important words used.  He actually made Phil's point for him!

I had hoped host Brandel Chamblee would have followed that statement by asking Mr. Adderhold why he chose those very words to describe his course.  Punishment?  That's just it folks!  Golf, for many, if not for most, has become a battle to limit your punishment rather than how much fun can you have.  For more accomplished players they may enjoy those challenges.  For the bulk of golfers (say, average to less than average skills - a.k.a. 80% of the rest of golfers) their challenge is simply hitting the ball solid, relatively straight, with adequate distance and avoid hazards.  Once they reach the green these golfers don't typically have the skills to handle greens that are undulating and stimping at 11, nor can they get out of many bunkers that are 5 feet deep.  They pick up putts within three feet because they don't want to suffer the embarrassment of missing one after the other.  Or is it to make sure their score doesn't go any higher?  Same thing.  In other words we are even quietly getting away from even playing the game itself in many cases.

Modern design is beautiful and testy.  As I've stated before I think the focus has been on the 20% or so who play this game with some modicum of skill.  The bulk of those who are playing the game, save those who would like to learn, can't handle these courses.  It will be some time before they can.  In today's economy there is a stronger need for the value:price ratio.  Value doesn't just come in the form of good conditions.  It also requires a good environment and enjoyable surroundings.  This includes the playability of the golf course.  There have been so many courses designed and built in the last 25 years that come with them a required high maintenance budget to uphold the image of the facility.

Don't get me wrong here, there is plenty of room for these types of designs and they will continue to attract attention.  Unfortunately there were about 3,000 built in the last fifteen years - probably 2,000 too many.  These courses aren't conducive to the newer golfer or the less skilled golfer, or the aging golfer who has been in the game for many years but their bodies just aren't built for them any more.

OK, I'm rambling at this point. I'd love to hear what you have to say.  What say you?