Robert Kimball
Looking forward to this week! Get in there and get the scuttlebutt on the ground and report back to us sickos!
Link to commentEvan Scheer
Haven't played in a few years, but I found The Loop to be way more playable than FD. FD is a challenge off of the tee, especially on the front 9 as it plays through the forest. Both played firm and fast.
Be sure to play the Bootlegger!
Link to commentMatthew Petersen
That elevated ring bunker on the punchbowl is absolutely nasty stuff. Love it.
Link to commentAdam Hatcher
Feels very Fried Egg to rate putting greens. Both putting courses (Himalayas, Speedway at Sea Island, Punchbowl at Bandon, etc.) and just putting greens.
I would nominate Oakland Hills South for its flow to the first tee and Forest Hills in Augusta, Georgia (used by ams, college players and local pros)
Link to commentBrian Decker
Not sure who Doug is, but thank you!
Regarding the bunkers, yes, we've taken some criticism for them, which is very fair. There are quite a few that I like the look of (especially on 12 and 18 green), and some others that do look quite similar to one another. I'm not sure it's worth diving deep into an explanation of the play-by-play and how they came to look like that as it will just sound like making excuses at this point. I will say, we did focus on the gameplay aspects of the bunkers as a first priority, and it's been nice this year to see a few be quite consequential to play, especially on 1 tee, 6 tee, 15 tee and 18 green.
Link to commentJohn Matthew Iv
Great hole-by-hole analysis, Doug. But as I look at the photos I am reminded that all the bunkers look the same. What was the thinking behind making them all be round with a tongue of grass in them? To me that is a huge negative that is hard to overcome.
I remember on an old "State of the Game" podcast, Mike Clayton was asked about some course whose name I long ago forgot but I never forgot his answer, "All the bunkers are in the rough." He dismissed the course in one sentence. Bunkers matter but they should not all be the same.
Link to commentBenjamin Malach
Fun fact the back putting and chipping green at the practice facility is one of the original Colt greens for the Eden course
Link to commentMichael Wainick
Spot on with this article! Years ago, as a Standard Bearer at the Northern Trust in NJ (so bummed they took this tournament away from this market!!!), i was shocked when I pulled Phil's tee time. To that point, one of the top players I got to walk 18 holes inside the ropes with. At the start, he was very humble and appreciative, introducing himself as "Phil" like he is not one of the biggest faces of the PGA (obviously this was a tad before LIV came on scene). Unfortunately, not much else was memorable about those 18 holes. It's always nice when the players show their appreciation of the volunteers with a signed golf ball, but Phil was always a real stickler with not giving them out at the end of the round (which is totally his prerogative). Been a fringe Phil fan over the years, not much more. But he has gotten his just desserts these past few years with LIV and the negative feedback/controversy he has earned. Also, about to embark on Billy Walters book which should be eye opening regarding Phil and his "alleged" gambling. Again, great article... Sparked my trip down memory lane with him "inside the ropes".
Link to commentW J
Great read. And no one probably cares, but my perspective: I still vividly remember the joy I felt when Lefty finally broke through at Augusta in 2004, and the bewildering mix of elation and disbelief I had when he pulled off the PGA in 2021. Those feelings were genuine and true at the time, and they still resonate today.
Phil's actions (and alleged actions) since then have surely added layers and complications to those feelings, but they really haven't taken away the fond memories. For me (as a sports fans of a certain age), the 1998 Sosa v. McGwire home run chase is a close parallel. My spine still tingles when I think of that summer or when I stumble across highlights, even as the revelations over the years caused me to think (and to say) various combinations of . . . "what the fuc&?!?"
A final note: this is a whole other topic, but not a Phil fanboy here. I'm far more of a Tiger guy (a man with his own complications!), but I've also always believed more in "and" than "or". I mean, I can (and do) enjoy the music of both Prince and Metallica, the films of both Kubrick and Scott, etc.
Link to commentMichael Hartford
Can’t wait to see a full write up on this. I’ve always wanted to see and learn more about it. Seems destined to host a TFE event someday, if I can dream
Link to commentBen Kodadek
Indeed. The Loop is much more forgiving off the tee compared to FD. Night and day really.
The greens on The Loop truly are the defense. They are fun, wild and a bit scary at times.
Link to commentKevin Smith
Thanks for the info! I’ll be driving through NJ on the 22nd so might try to play it that day. I know Mondays can be tough with work schedules, but there might be other eggheads out there that day who are attending the Long Island event the next day. If any meetup gets planned I’ll loop you in.
Link to commentDrew McCalmont
Hey Kevin, I just joined FEGC and saw this when scrolling through recent posts. I live in South Orange and play Byrne all the time. I’m always looking out for new people to play golf with, so let me know if you ever want to meet up! I have a kid so I try to play early on weekends when I can, but often do late mornings/early afternoons just because getting prime tee times at Byrne is very difficult.
+1 to the comment about trying the day before - this year it’s a 12 hour cancellation policy so lots of people tend to hang on until the last minute and cancel around 12-14 hours before their time.
Link to commentRichard Ramsay
Great review. Nails the Colt design and calls out the “henious” Steel work. At last he didn’t work on my home course……. Oh wait he did………. HENIOUS x 2
Link to commentJulian Dolce
The Loop is super forgiving. I tried really hard to lose balls and always found them. The ground game is key here though. It’s best to go in with an open mind and enjoy a different type of golf. For me that’s what made it so fun.
Link to commentKevin Maxey
I feel like the Loop is going to be hit or miss in my group. It looks pretty straight forward from the flyovers, I know that doesn’t do the greens justice.
How was the course off the tee? I have some low handicaps and high handicaps.
Link to commentJulian Dolce
I was there mid May and it was great. Played The Loop both directions and original course.
You should have a great time.
Link to commentRichard Morrison
Sure adds to the interest. I will look for him/thanks Joseph!!!
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