Having started this thread, I just want to thank everyone for their posts. It's been fascinating to read about your experiences with Unevens.
I want to congratulate Sebicu on an amazing 60, 60 score to win. You're the only player to match their first round unlimited score in the second single play.
And I want to commend you all for trying this out, especially those for whom this was a new experience, and those who did so with an open mind. Only 59 TL's entered this initial tourney. It takes guts to put your reputation on the line trying out something new.
Cerino and I reckon that it was perhaps a mistake on WGT's part to roll out the first official tourney to Tour Legends. Yes, you are the best of the best… but you're also accustomed to hitting approach shots close to the hole, and making birdies more often than not. So it's natural that this change to the gameplay is likely to be more shocking to you than to other players.
To learn and love Unevens, I'm convinced that it helps to go back to basics. You can't get good at them without playing at least a dozen rounds IMO, and nor should you. None of us got good at the game with a handful of rounds. It took patience. If a newbie came to these forums, complaining of being unable to shoot under par after 2-3 rounds, the forum response would be an unarguable "Go back and practice, practice, practice…" Unevens needs to be treated in the same way.
Moreover, it helps to 'go back to basics' with expectations as well. That's one reason we like tackling it with Starter Clubs and balls. With that basic equipment (the gear we all learned this game with in the first place), your target is par. You're trying to hit greens in regulation, not get within 6 feet. With more realistic expectations, it's easier to enjoy the gameplay and the challenge, rather than just be frustrated. And as a result, it's easier to learn.
Yes, I understand the temptation to criticize Unevens on the basis of realism. Do note though, that the defenders of this feature are not arguing that Uneven Lies are realistic, they're saying that they're more realistic (more realistic than getting a flat, artificial lie after bumping along the fairway). But most of all, our claim is that Unevens adds to the gameplay: it introduces a variable that you can't calculate with charts. You have to use your judgment. You have to interpret moving dots, their speed and direction on both the horizontal and vertical plane. And, you have to employ course management to score well. You must plot your route to the hole, starting with your first shot. You must consider risk/reward. You must sometimes accept a penalty and play backwards (as Roger, Eric and others have realized above).
All this adds immeasurably to the gameplay. And it offers the best approximation WGT can give for the challenging conditions of the Major tournament on the toughest courses. It was great to read OeJ's account above of how hard these courses can be in harsh conditions: I think that's a challenge we can all tackle, and find a way to have fun in the process!
I've spent a good portion of my time in the last week racing to try and qualify for this next tourney, so I can join in the fun (and struggle to get used to new Master tees etc). Now more of us get a chance to put our Unevens skills (or lack thereof!) to the test in the public arena. Good luck, everyone! (And nice score, Eric, already on the board with a 66!)
And if you do want to 'go back to basics', please join Cerino and I for 'Tough-It-Out II' -- the TransAtlantic Uneven Starters Open, starting January 12. Signup form is here (thread to be posted later today on Tough-It-Out II is here).
Thanks, Corwyn