I have no issues with Woodlands, I am baffled by the people who say they think they'd play 8-2 Woodlands over links however. My hottest take is that while it might ruin the name woodlands, removing the trees around the Woodlands holes to give lake views while on the Lawsonia back 9 would elevate the course

I'll slightly stick my neck out slightly for Woodlands. The course was rather terrible, tight and overly penal. Widening of some fairways and removal of unecessary bunkers has gone a long way. They could still do a lot tree removal. Not saying I'd choose it over Links but it's worth a round if you have time since its kind of a polar opposite. Over 10 rounds I'd go Links 8 Woodlands 2. Played the front tees last year to switch it up and actually had a blast.

I'll slightly stick my neck out slightly for Woodlands. The course was rather terrible, tight and overly penal. Widening of some fairways and removal of unecessary bunkers has gone a long way. They could still do a lot tree removal. Not saying I'd choose it over Links but it's worth a round if you have time since its kind of a polar opposite. Over 10 rounds I'd go Links 8 Woodlands 2. Played the front tees last year to switch it up and actually had a blast.

Love old aerial maps. The Iowa DNR has one back to the 30s and every decade since. Fun but also sad to see some changes, like at Oneota CC by Langford.

I walked the front 9 solo yesterday - late afternoon round. It’s a wonderful course. I also don’t know a track that’s such a fun test from the right tees - and so brutally punishing if you play too far back for your skill.

If folks want to see historic aerial photography of the original Lawsonia course layouts, the University of Wisconsin has a great tool, and the photos go back to 1937: https://maps.sco.wisc.edu/WHAIFinder/?center=-89.0080%2C43.8282&level=14

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In today’s email!

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Favorite fall golf tradition is our annual group trip, going on 5 years now. 16-20 friends (and friends of friends) come together from New England, the Midwest, and the mid-Atlantic for 3 days of golf and shenanigans - enough to keep the text thread going year-round. Over the years, we've been able to play Pinehurst, Innisbrook, We-Ko-Pa and Streamsong, creating some great memories. This year's trip will take us down to Kiawah - excited to see our crew try and tackle the Ocean Course this weekend!