MADRID MASTERS - TEE TIME ARTICLE

EL ENCIN - A DIFFERENT PATH

 By Peter Damgaard

(Electronic translation of original Danish text)

Bankia Madrid Masters was played at El Encin Golf Hotel. The track opened in early April this year and had a somewhat different challenge to the pros.


The course was designed by Von Hagge, Baril & Smelek with Rick Baril at the head, and he is in Denmark known for being the architect behind Stensballegaard Golf in Horsens and Lyngbygaard Gulf of Aarhus.


 They began to build the track in 2009, and the area was completely flat before the golf course was built, so everything is created from nothing.  It's a new track, so players were just a foretaste of how the track is when it has evolved, says Rick Baril to HOTJUG.


. The intention has been to create a course where strategy is not a foregone conclusion - not even for pros, so they were udfodret more than usual, it is usually given when the fairway people prefer to lie. There are wide fairways and big greens, but you have to score low, you need to land the right places on the greens. The greens are very undulating and capricious to such an extent that it is rarely seen.

- Greens are dramatic but playable, and they are definitely not what the tour players are accustomed to.  We knew there would be players who grumbled about the greens. The approach shot can be lucky or unlucky and it would be unusual for pros who are used to perfect conditions.  But what is golf without coincidence, fate, luck and perhaps even accidentally, asks Rick Baril conductive.


The course is long, 7561 yards, equivalent to 6915 meters, but it is not intended to be played from all the back tees.  The architect hoped before the tournament, the European Tour for the challenge would use different tees. It was done, and par-3 fifth hole measured for example193 meter on one day and 135 meters a second.

Rick Baril did not have the opportunity to be in Madrid, but have seen the tournament on TV at home in Houston, USA.

Some players were uttilfredse over greens, while others were enthusiastic.  As Henrik Knudsen and Leif Nyholm said at Viasat Golf from Madrid, it was as if the players became more and more positive every day and also Leif Nyholm went from being a little lukewarm to think it was exciting.

One of those players who criticized the greens were Paul McGinley, but his criticism is also a praise:
I would not design a course like this, because the greens are undulating.  But they are very similar to what you see at St. Andrews and Augusta National, and they are regarded as masterpieces, so who's right and who is wrong, said Paul McGinley.

Rick Baril has been for many years Von Hagge, Baril & Smelek man in Europe, where he has been deeply involved in the design of all their courses including Les Bordes, Golf World has just re-elected to continental Europe's best track , and Le Golf National, which in 2018 will host the Ryder Cup.

Reactions of course very similar to the way Les Bordes was received and to a lesser extent, Le Golf National.  Both were controversial because of their quirky and unique character. Both are now recognized as good tracks and I am hopeful that El Encin will be the same, said Rick Baril who would rather draw a track that evokes emotions than a track that is tedious and trivial.

If the greens were 100 years old or on a links course would seem that they were charming, eccentric and exciting.  It's fun to see players worry about some shots, says Rick Baril.

Slattery leads MADRID MASTERS DAY 3

Renton Laidlaw gave a nice introduction to the broadcast today, saying the players are warming to the course and finding it fun to play. It was gratifying to hear Mr. Laidlaw say this is a course you need to think your way around.


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.”

MADRID MASTERS DAY TWO

MASTERPIECE OR MASOCHIST?

Seems like most people only needed an "M" to express their feeling about EL ENCIN. The most common description:  Masterpiece or Masochist - we aren't sure which is winning. We’ve definitely heard both of these opinions about EL ENCIN over the past two days. The reality is likely somewhere between these two extremes. We’re happy. The golf course is evoking emotion, which is infinitely better than producing yawns and indifference.

Day two of the MADRID MASTERS and it’s been an interesting couple of days… The computer and phone are both smoking from over activity. It seems there were people who thought EL ENCIN might be unplayable, due to sever putting surfaces. In fact, the answer is quite easy – maintain the putting surfaces at rational green speeds. We get to make some dramatic putting surfaces. The spectators get to see something different – rather than big, flat boring putting greens stimping at 14, with imperceptible breaks.

Even watching on the event television, you can see the contour of the golf course, and the player’s thinking - struggling. You can actually see them – and hear them – strategizing. It is compelling.


Golf Course defining moment -From yesterday’s broadcast:


Peter Hanson - speaking to his caddie about his approach to #14; “I’ll hit it straight to the pin and see where it finishes”. After he hit the shot, we hear him saying, “Somehow be good!” I’m not sure exactly why but, like so many other players, his ball found “El Caldero del Diablo” (the Devil’s Caldron) – a devilish bowl in the front-middle of the 14th green, which seems to be collecting an inordinate number of victims!!

It was a GREAT moment. The commentators found the humor in it, but I hope the implication of this episode wasn’t lost. Peter Hanson had not hit the best drive on #14. He was not in a good position to attack the flag. The safe play was to the left. But, after surveying the predicament, he decided to attack the flag, embrace the challenge and accept the consequences. It was a defining moment. It

Also, from yesterday, I must admit taking a small measure of enjoyment in “DALY’S DEBACLE” on the 18th. I certainly don’t wish John Daly any ill-will, as I am a kindred spirit. I have been where he was, when he carded a 9 on the 18th hole after dumping two shots in the lake. I hate to see him miss the weekend.

PLAYER COMMENTS FROM DAY ONE

ROSS McGOWAN
64 (-8)
“I got a good start on the first tee and just kept trying to hit good golf shots, finding the right spots on the greens and holing the putts. The greens are very tricky, I did a lot of homework on them yesterday. They are kind of US Open style. You have to make sure you get on the right side of the hole, and for the most part, I did. The conditions are perfect: 30 degrees with no wind, the ball’s flying nicely… perfect really.


It’s been a pretty tough year with a couple of injuries but its been improving week to week, and now things seem to have come together.


I’ve been working real hard all year for a day like today.”


BRETT RUMFORD
65 (-7)
“It was good, a nice start to the first round; I played steady golf. Great conditions, no wind, fairly wide fairways, there’s a lot of bunkers out there but there’s a lot of spots where you can miss it as well. Pin placements were not easy, but I’m sure they will get tougher as the week progresses.


It’s a shortish course, the par threes are long. The greens are tricky. You must be on the right side of the pin. If you’re not on, you can have problems.

I guess it’s the modern golf course design, they have to make them challenging and difficult, and with the control that we have on the golf ball these days, big flat greens won’t do the job.”


GONZALO FERNÁNDEZ-CASTAÑO
65 (-7)
“It’s been a great day of golf. Disappointing to finish with three putts on 18, but I did compensate with some good ones along the round.

As organizer of the event I have many things to take care of, and it’s not easy to concentrate. In these circumstances, 7 under is a great satisfaction, particularly after 6 months away from competition.

It’s tough to pull off a tournament these days, that’s why I really appreciate the players’ support of this event. I has made me realize that I have great friends and I thank them for it.”

EDOARDO MOLINARI
66 (-6)
(Started at 10th)
“The start was not great, I didn’t hit the ball well but all changed after 17th. I missed a few putts, but I’m very happy with 6 under. It was a good, solid, round. The surfaces of the greens are great, although the slopes are a bit too severe; it would be nice to have a few more pin positions.


If they change that, it would be a great course.”


TANO GOYA
67 (-5)
“I had a good day; I played well from tee to green. I putted well on the first nine, but made a few mistakes after that. All in all, I played solid. I’m going to spend the afternoon on the putting green.”

STEVE WEBSTER
67 (-5)
“On Tuesday I had my picture taken with Seve’s sculpture; yesterday I chatted with his son Javier and we now communicate through Facebook. I actually have the feeling that Seve is helping me. I’m using the long putter since last week and it’s giving me a lot of confidence.


After 15 years of a very frustrating game, I decided to go for the long putter, and it seems to work. I didn’t think the scores would be so good this week, but the course is in great condition and the greens are really good.”


EDUARDO DE LA RIVA
67 (-5)
“I played well and gave me birdie chances. My attitude has changed and I am enjoying playing golf again. I did well in the tournaments I played, but the main thing is that I feel motivated again and I look forward to playing.”

ÁLVARO QUIRÓS
67 (-5)
“Five under is not bad for a start. I holed a long putt on the last to finish with a birdie. I made 4 big mistakes, mainly because I played defensively. When I saw danger to the right, I missed to the left which is frustrating, but quite normal after a few weeks away from competition.

I’m not surprised at the low scores. The course is not playing long, the greens are undulated, but good and the pins were not tight. It can play much tougher, particularly if we get some wind. The pin locations are key.

LUKE DONALD
68 (-4)
“It’s been a solid day. I played well and gave myself opportunities, although some went away – It could have been a really good round. The course is in good condition, and the greens are its defence. It can give you chances, and the par fives are reachable”

Final Thought about day one - hole #12 - a par 3 was the most difficult hole on the first day.  They played it from the furthest back tee.  The green was the first one we built and really is innocuous, except it plays like an elevated plateau.  Perhaps it was the most difficult because it's the oldest green on the course!

So, what about day two - The players had a different day today.  There was a little wind and some different tee locations.  The players had short irons in their hands most of the day.  I think there is so much attention on the 'macro' movement of the greens, it has taken the focus off the 'micro' movement.  You can see the players worry over short putts.  Today, we saw them surprised by the breaks or lack there of, on short putts.  The scores are definitely higher.


SOME PLAYER COMMENTS FROM DAY TWO


Lee Slattery told the official European Tour website: "I've putted well today, and I seemed to hole everything. "I drove the ball well too. You can give it a good smack off the tee and you feel yourself trying to hit it harder and harder.  I was actually getting too cautious with my game but round here you can't be, you just whack it. This suits me because I just enjoy it and don't think too much -- that's the key. "I've been so relaxed out there, I don't think I've ever walked off the course feeling so relaxed after shooting a 66."


And, this excerpt relating Paul McGinley's feelings about EL ENCIN, where his first shot is aggressive but follows up with a softer touch:  McGinley is also not a fan of the Robert Van Hagge, Smelek and Baril designed greens. "It is certainly not a golf course I would design as the slopes on the greens are too severe," said McGinley.

"Having said that, the slopes are very similar to St Andrews and Augusta National -- and they're considered masterpieces. So, who is right and who is wrong?"

"But I enjoyed the challenge today and my game is pretty good, so a 72 is about as bad a score as I could have shot," he added.  "However, if you are on the wrong side of the pins, as I was a few times, you are in trouble."


I think this is exactly what I said yesterday - if the course were 100 years old it would be considered eccentric or charming......
 
And the hits just keep on coming!.......

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!!)