Watching the Pros on courses you've played

I enjoy this part of the season, because I've been lucky enough to have played a number of the HI, CA and AZ courses. They're at Riviera this week which I haven't played but did get to walk during a practice round a few years ago.

When I see the pros going low on courses I struggled with (from the white or blue tees!) I'm reminded of how talented these young guys really are.

Nice post!

I used to live in San Francisco, California and my home course was Harding Municipal course.

Well, from what I heard this course used to be a very popular course for the Tour pros in the 60's, but then it was a little bit abandoned.

Few years ago, Sandy Tatum, the former USGA president, took initiative and was able to find a way to restore it (the course is very beautiful, imagine after the restoration!!)

In 2005, they were able to organize the Accenture World Golf Championship, sponsored by American Express and Tiger Woods beat John Daly in the third playoff hole.

Well, I used to play the course very often and I know exactly how long is every hole and when I saw the Tour players hitting their drivers and irons, I was more than amazed! I will give just one simple example... the 18th hole.
It's a par 4, 440 yards, but if played back, it can go at 470-480 yards. You have to driver over a big creek, so besides length, you need to choose the right aim/line.

When I used to play it, I hit drive and have 200 yards left. Tiger and JD hit driver and had 80-100 yards left for a easy sand wedge!!!!!!

Still can't believe it!!!!


find attached the website:
http://www.harding-park.com/view.asp?id=129&page;=1726

I concur...I grew up playing Torrey Pines quite often and let me tell you; if you've never played that course (South) it can be an absolute beast. I've also caddied in the pro-am couple of times and it is impressive and informative to be that near and watch how the tour pros handle a venue as such. I hope to go back there for the 2008 US Open.

I just saw a writeup on Harding Park in golf Digest. Isn't it going to be an Open venue?

I grew up playing Bethpage Black when nobody wanted to play it.There would be 5 hour waits on all the other 4 courses but 10 min on the black.That said I loved all the bitching that went down on the Black.I won some cash from the other locals who thought double digits would win and I predicted -2 to even and cleaned up.

The Majilis course at the Emirates in Dubai is fantastic (Dubai Desert Classic) It just shows you how tough yet beautiful some course's are. Unfourtunately I went 1 week after the Tournament, but after hearing some of the rounds they shot I am still amazed!