RUNWME:
LOLserver:
I wrote this in the course forum.
Would like to see the qualifying as follow:
- Championship tees
- Championship greens
- High winds
Qualifying cut at 72 and 68 as best qualifying score.
This would mirror, more or less, a real US Open Open qualifying.
Let me preface this by saying I'd also prefer championship tees, greens and high winds for qualifying.
-BUT-
Whether its championship tees, champion greens and high winds or blue tees tourney greens and low winds, 95% of the players who qualify would do so in either settings.
The difference is champ tees, greens and high winds would get 80% less qualifying rounds played on it than easier settings would yield. It would also be incredibly frustrating to lower tiers / levels of proficiency players to try and combat these settings. This means less$ to WGT who is looking to recover the costs associated with bringing a new HIGH DEFINITION course out.
Good you mention the frustration for lower tiers, here is the thing.
I remember being a TM & trying the qualifying for British Open at The Royal St. George course. My first time from Championship tees (legend tees) and tournament greens....well it was not frustrating it was, actually a great challenge!! and yes I spend many, many rounds trying to qualify until I finally got a 57 that send me into the finals!!, still as Tour Master.
To me this is a GREAT opportunity for any high average legend and also for Tour Master and even Masters with legend aspirations. A chance to try their skills from those long yardage holes with difficult drives and long approaches.
Many many round will be played from all of us not matter what conditions we might find. Championship tees & tournament greens is the least I can expect.