THE BIARRITZ AT MID OCEAN
In the second part of my interview with Norman Furtado, he discusses the course’s push-up greens. They switched the greens over to Tifeagle a few years ago under the advice of Patrick O’Brien of the USGA. I was somewhat surprised that Mr. O’Brien did not suggest the replacing of the greens with USGA greens. (Video after the jump).
As Norman explains, the amount of surface drainage on Mid Ocean’s greens sheds water before the greens can become soggy, causing problems. Building greens in this manner would obviously be cheaper and lead to more interesting contours, but the trade off is that if they are maintained at too high a speed, they become unplayable. Superintendents on courses with steep, contoured greens are constantly balancing on a high-wire trying to please players and members who want high green speeds but also want to finish their rounds.
The greens at Mid Ocean are an absolute pleasure to play. Greens like the fifth are contoured to effect strategy going all the way back to the tee. Accurate and decisive play is rewarded with easier putts, while indifferent play is met with putts that challenge a players imagination and skill. It would be hard to ask for anything more.
Loading ...
