Golf Club Atlas

GolfClubAtlas.com => Golf Course Architecture => Topic started by: PThomas on March 09, 2005, 09:34:05 AM

Title: astroturf on TOC?
Post by: PThomas on March 09, 2005, 09:34:05 AM

that astroturf picture on another thread reminded me of this:  is one still required to hit from portable pieces of the stuff on TOC during the winter?

haven't been there yet, and as badly as I want to play there, I don't think I could bring myself to do that

Title: Re:astroturf on TOC?
Post by: Robert Kimball on March 09, 2005, 09:43:53 AM

If memory serves me, I believe they required portable mats in the months before the 2000 Open. Obviously to save the turf from "duffer diviots."

Title: Re:astroturf on TOC?
Post by: Tyler Kearns on March 09, 2005, 09:56:24 AM

Paul,

Fairway mats in use at the Old Course until March 31/05. I do not think it relates to the Open Championship being held there in the summer - but is an annual rule to allow the turf to recuperate during the winter months.

TK

Title: Re:astroturf on TOC?
Post by: A.G._Crockett on March 09, 2005, 10:05:52 AM

I played TOC in June of 1984, just a month or so before the Open was held there.  At that time, they asked that golfers play everything off tees in the fairway.  I was playing with three Scots, and they didn't once tee the ball up in the fairway; I was scared NOT to.

Title: Re:astroturf on TOC?
Post by: Brian_Gracely on March 09, 2005, 10:26:00 AM

I played Prestwick once in January and they had a similar policy...(a) play shots from the fairway with a tee, or (b) pull your ball to the nearest patch of grass off the fairway.  

Title: Re:astroturf on TOC?
Post by: Sean_A on March 09, 2005, 03:11:35 PM

Pennard requires mats in the winter.  I usually play from the wings unless I am chipping or need extra spin.  Jeepers, it is amazing how much spin I can get with a TOPFLITE off the mats!

Ciao

Sean

Title: Re:astroturf on TOC?
Post by: Matt_Ward on March 09, 2005, 03:42:51 PM

Just a quick question for those "in the know." Does TOC charge a lesser fee given the astroturf gimmick for the winter months.

Also -- does the facility ever use temporary greens during that time frame?

Thanks ... ;)

Title: Re:astroturf on TOC?
Post by: Sean_A on March 09, 2005, 05:04:06 PM

Matt

In the winter you can play TOC for ~£60.  It is fairly limited because of course closings, but easliy booked for the time of your choice if you plan ahead.  The other courses are much cheaper as well.  The Links Trust runs deals in conjunction with B&Bs, hotels etc.  

I think the first winter I was up there the price was ~£150 for three days golf and B&B-including TOC.  The next time we went I skipped TOC because of the mats.  Two rounds on the new and one on the Jubilee plus B&B was ~$125.  

Ciao

Sean

Title: Re:astroturf on TOC?
Post by: ForkaB on March 10, 2005, 12:12:10 PM

Matt

When I was there a few weeks ago, they had a temporary green for the 11th (not a bad one, over by the 12th tee).  they will also often put pins in the winter in silly places such as the very front or very back of greens (i.e. on the false front of the 17th).