I think the best thing about this episode of Curb is Larry overcome with joy while telling Richard about the swing tip. "I think this is the happiest I've been in my entire life!" One of the few times in the show when his enthusiasm is uncurbed. Question: IS LD (the person inside the character) ONE OF US? if a swing tip set my driver straight I know I'd be the happiest guy you could meet. I don't have kids, but I imagine the birth of a first born would be a close second.

Should we be happy golf shows and movies exist or disappointed they generally stink. I quit Stick after 2 episodes.

A strategic course where a player has to make a decision on how to play it and a big penalty for a bad shot is good for match play. Water hazards usually play a big part in the strategy and a player can be more aggressive in match play since a double bogey is only a loss of hole. Bethpage doesn't fit that description as 8 is the only hole with water and you have to hit over it. Most of the holes are pure execution tests. I still think it will be a good Ryder Cup venue as 15 tee, 16 green, and 17 will one of the most electric atmospheres in the game, right where most matches end. 18 at Bethpage has always been criticized but I think it is one of the holes where a decision off the tee must be made; lay up or hit driver. Players have struggled to hit the fairway even with less than driver in the past. It will be interesting to see what players choose depending on where the match stands and how the player with the honor on the tee will impact the second players decision.

Hey Chat GPT create Ryder Cup scripting that looks like something a team would lose in.

Anywhere on the course you think could use an additional bunker?

Sad I missed this one on a recent trip to Boston due to a rainy day. Will push to top of the list on a future visit.

People think that a course with risk reward makes a great match play course and their head always goes to the 300 yard par 4. A great match play course has to also have nearly as many 375 yard holes where the advantage actually can turn closer in the direction of the shorter, more precise player. At 300 yards it’s hard to make the hole truly rewards accuracy without making it always best to just blast driver.

What are the odds haha. Love it!

Different Ben Cowan! This one without the "Dewar."

Thanks for this, Garrett. Will be interesting to see how the US Team decides to set up the course to their advantage during the Ryder Cup. Had a question for you as it relates to the July 31 episode of Designing Golf (which was excellent by the way). Mike mentioned a Ben Cowan on-board with Proving Ground, and I was wondering, is this the same Ben Cowan of Cabot fame? Thanks!