MADRID MASTERS DAY ONE

 EL ENCIN #17 GREEN

 No surprise - we anticipated comments about the putting surfaces. The design of the putting surfaces was deliberate and it appears successful: We have never received this many inquiries and we’ve never experienced this much interest (from international media, clients and contacts) for a European Tour event. The Madrid Masters is on the world’s radar screen this week. And, this is largely due to the uniqueness of El Encin – which is generating significant attention.

We’re hopeful the Community of Madrid and the European Tour will capitalize on this opportunity and El Encin will help elevate the stature of the Madrid Masters.

So, are the putting greens at El Encin dramatic? Absolutely!
Are they maintainable and playable? Absolutely!
Are they what the tour players are accustomed to playing? Absolutely NOT!!

Again, this was our intention. The golf course is visually unique and possesses memorable character. And, it has the potential to produce a memorable event. What could be better than this?

El Encin golf course has an infinite variety of pin placements and abundant tee placements. We’re hopeful the range and potential is understood and utilized – and most of all – celebrated! El Encin has “Ferrari” potential. Hopefully, it won’t be driven like a Fiat!

Thoughts after Day 1:

• Sadly, the bunkers were filled with too much sand during construction. We were hoping this sand would be removed before the tournament. The bunker sand is high quality, so the bunkers will perform better when there is less sand.
• It was nearly a perfect day for golf. The scores certainly indicate the golf course and the greens are playable!
• After hearing frequent references to the greens during the first days broadcast, it occurred to me: If the greens were 100 years old and on a links course they would be charming, eccentric, exciting, etc...
• It was fun to watch the pro's think and worry over some shots.
• It was fun to see the players take different approaches - some laying back with their tee shots and others attacking the course.
• I was surprised by the percentage of putts that ended short of the hole.  I know the greens were slow but this should have allowed them to attack the hole.

Actually, (and here I have intimate knowledge) there are only 3 or 4 greens that, with some more steroids, could maybe be considered candidates for the twilight zone. About 6 remaining greens present the player with an uncommon, unusual or disquieting vision, but play in a routine manner. And, about 8 greens might even be described as ordinary. So, we’re truly getting some mileage out of the 3 or 4 ‘freaks’!

Today’s commentary of the MADRID MASTERS made me think of this quote from Alistar MacKenzie:
'It frequently happens the best holes give rise to the most bitter controversy. It is largely a question of the spirit in which the problem is approached, depending on the player. Whether he looks at it from the 'card and pencil' point of view and condemns anything that disturbs his steady series of 3’s or 4’s, or whether he approaches it in the 'spirit of adventure."


Today, I have the nagging thought: This feels very similar to when we opened Les Bordes and to a lesser extent, Le Golf National. Both courses were ‘controversial’ – at first….due to their innovative and unique character. Both of these courses grew in stature and continue to be well regarded. I am hopeful that EL ENCIN will continue this legacy and develop into a significant venue for Madrid.

I’m looking forward to the remainder of the MADRID MASTERS. It’s going to be exciting - maybe even because of the greens!!!

THERE IS TRULY SOMETHING NEW

 UNDER THE SPANISH SUN!!

Here we are making "crazy greens" at EL ENCIN.... (just a few days over one year ago!!)