One thing, which I am VERY SURPRISED about: the lack of acknowledgement that these are NEW GREENS. (There have been sufficient comments about the difficulty of the greens – fair enough.) But, new putting greens have surface consistency issues – which affect shorter putts particularly.
Some information about growing in new greens: Even though the maintenance has done a great job growing the golf course for this event - it is really alot to ask to have the putting greens in tournament shape in the first growing season! Sand putting greens require grooming and topdressing – to achieve a consistent surface:
1. Irregular settling in the putting surface is normal - it is nearly impossible to achieve the same compaction over the entire putting surface.
2. Machines are also on the putting surfaces before the grass is fully grown. This equipment makes small indentations and deformations in the putting surfaces. All these small 'imperfections' (unequal settling and other minor deformations of the putting surface) are fixed by top-dressing the putting surfaces with sand. This must be done over time in several applications, to allow the grass to grow between sand applications. You can be agressive and accomplish this quickly but it is rarely accomplished in one season.
I firmly believe it is these small imperfections - or "micro - movement" in the putting surfaces which is disturbing the players. BUT, they really don't often play golf courses which are this new. So, they might be overlooking the significance of this. Again, this is not an indictment on the level of maintenance, which - from what we see on TV - seems excellent.
The nervousness and deliberate looking play on the short putts, appears to me, to be because the greens have not had a chance to mature - so, these imperfections still exist. These imperfections can play tricks - particularly on shorter putts, resulting in putts which might take an unusual turn or not quite break as the players expect. The putting surfaces will certainly be smoother next year. And, we hope they tournament will return to EL ENCIN again so the players can experience the difference a year will make.
I will mention again, since this is new course and very few people have seen it in person, there are really only 3 or 4 greens that are especially dramatic. The putting surfaces are fairly large. Initially, our target was 750m2 average. I’m certain we exceeded this but I don’t have the exact figures handy. But, if I remember correctly, we didn’t exceed this figure by more than 10%.
PLEASE don't think the above comments are intended as a compromise, about the course or the greens. We are VERY proud of the design of the golf course. And, I'm certain it will provide an absolutely unique venue for golf. The golf course has the potential to make the MADRID MASTERS a highly anticipated event each year - IF the maintenance and publicity is handled correctly. But, this is a big IF. It will require vision, fortitude and courage. Will the community and the developer be dedicated to this? Time will tell.
THE WOODLANDS TEXAS.....
I forgot to also mention the PGA Senior Tour is playing at the Woodlands this week. They are playing the old TPC course which Robert designed more than 30 years ago. It’s great to see the course. AND, it’s certainly excting to have two of our golf courses hosting the professionals in the same week!!!
HOLE #14 - CALDERO DEL DIABLO
I am surprised at the number of players on hole 14, ending up in the bowl in the front center of the green. We were really working to create a pin placement in this bowl but it just isn’t big enough. So, it is quite interesting to see that it has become such a popular gathering place....
It's been alot of fun watching the pro's play something different. Maybe we are taking a small measure of pleasure watching them re-think their approach to this course. For my part, I am happy to see more creative shots!! And, based on some of today's comments - it looks like a few of the players are really enjoying it also - and embracing the challenge!!!!!!!
TODAY'S PLAYER COMMENTS
LEE SLATTERY
Saturday, October 8th 2011 69 today. Total 202 (-14)
“I was a little bit nervous teeing off because I hadn’t been in that position for a while. The only mistake I made today was on the first, where I fluffed a chip. After that I kept patient; I managed to relax myself midway through the round and played great coming in. I could have holed a couple more putts, but in general I’m happy with the way I played.
I was just trying to relax myself. I started working again with my old psychologist and it’s been very helpful. I feel much more relaxed on the course, if that’s possible. Coping with pressure is all about not thinking about the big picture… it’s very hard to do, but there are techniques that you can use to switch off. I do enjoy it, this is why we play the game.
I came here hoping for a top ten to play Portugal next week, so being in contention is a dream come true
It's the first time I lead going into the last round on the main tour. I have a cushion at the top, but it’s not a massive one; hopefully tomorrow will be more of the same, I’ll try to enjoy and keep relaxed.”
LORENZO GAGLI
Saturday, October 8th 2011
69 today. Total 204 (-12)
“I played quite well because the conditions were difficult. 3 under is a very god score today, but I didn’t play as well as I can. The big difference today was that the greens were harder and the pins much tighter and it wasn’t easy to leave them close. Also the wind made it tougher and, of course, the pressure. I have the right attitude for tomorrow, I want to keep doing the same things, but the pressure will be there. I’ve been working on this with my coach… we’ll see the results tomorrow. I am playing well and I think I have a good chance."
A couple of weeks before the Spanish Open I spent 5 days with José María Olazábal at San Domenico
He is a very good and generous person and a great player. I learnt a lot that week because I saw in him the love of the game. He doesn’t play golf for the money, he plays because he loves golf. After playing we couldn’t get him to leave the course, he would be chipping with his sand wedge until dark. In the evenings he told us a lot of stories about playing in the Ryder Cup with Seve.”
BRETT RUMFORD
Saturday, October 8th 2011
68 today. Total 204 (-12)
“It was a good day, It just started off not quite how I hoped. I was playing great from tee to green but I wasn't reading my lines properly. Then I made 3 birdies before the turn which settled me down. On the back nine I didn’t play as well from tee to green but I just managed my golf, and the birdie at the last helped. I played a perfect shot to a very tough pin.
This is a fun course to play, which makes this week very enjoyable. The course is set up well, and it seems to me that these greens and the layout are the new generation of golf courses which I hope to get to play more often, because they are great fun.” (Brett, I don't know you but I like you already!!! I'll be cheering for you to do well tomorrow!!)
EDUARDO DE LA RIVA
Saturday, October 8th 2011
72 today. Total 206 (-10)
“I started well, with birdies on 1 and 2 and I was leaving them close. On 9 I holed a 5 iron, but after that things have gone wrong, particularly on the greens."
LUKE DONALD
Saturday, October 8th 2011
70 today. Total 208 (-8)
"18 has been my worst hole this week – 3 over, and now I’m 5 behind the field.
I also missed a bunch of short putts. For whatever reason, I missed 6 or 7 inside 5 feet; I hit some good ones that didn’t go in and also a couple of poor ones that deserved to miss. I’ve struggled with the reads and a little bit with the pace.
I still have a chance for tomorrow, but I’m going to have to go really low... if I can shoot 64or 65 I might have a chance, but I’m going to need some help from the field.”
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