Golf Club Atlas
GolfClubAtlas.com => Golf Course Architecture => Topic started by: Powell Arms on June 19, 2013, 09:09:31 AM
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(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsf8476e13.jpg)
A process that started in 2007, and gained momentum from Gib Carpenter's "In My Opinion" piece in 2007 HERE (http://www.golfclubatlas.com/in-my-opinion/a-cry-for-the-golf-course-by-gib-carpenter/)
is now under construction under the guidance of Keith Foster.
It will be a fun few months of construction, and then grow in over the fall and spring for a reopening in May 2014.
Reconstructed and restored bunkers, reclaimed and regrassed greens, regrassed fairways and modern irrigation.
Exciting times!!!
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We want more pictures Powell!!
Mark
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Powell- Now that Wissahickon is temporarily out of the rota how do you split your plays between Militia Hill and St. Martins?
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I can't wait to see the results of this work. I suspect that it will be fantastic.
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Powell,
Thanks for the update. I can't wait to see some photos of the finished product.
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The bulk of the construction we were told will be in a 3 month window. Then we need to just sit and watch....
Mark
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Congratulations!
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Powell- Now that Wissahickon is temporarily out of the rota how do you split your plays between Militia Hill and St. Martins?
Tim,
I suspect there will be a lot of weekday afternoon/evening rounds at the 9 hole St Martins course (1898, Tucker) and weekend morning rounds at the Militia Hill course (2002, Hurdzan / Fry).
Other clubs in the greater Philly area have been extremely supportive, and we have reciprocal tee times with over 65 courses.
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Powell
What role will the Super play. Is Dan Meersman still there?
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Powell
What role will the Super play. Is Dan Meersman still there?
Dan is still here, and will play a huge role, working 7 days a week to oversee and direct the contractor. I played a round with Dan Sunday night before the course closed, and he was giddy that work was starting. The photo above is one he tweeted this morning. The photo below is as the final group approached 18 on Sunday before the backhoes moved in.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps647a5c20.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/null_zps647a5c20.jpg.html)
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Wish him luck for me. I don't tweet but i wish I could keep in the loop
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Wish him luck for me. I don't tweet but i wish I could keep in the loop
will do
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Hope you can make it out and share photos as things progress.
Look forward to seeing the finished product.
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Hope you can make it out and share photos as things progress.
Look forward to seeing the finished product.
John, our head pro, Jim Smith, is leading "restoration site tours" most Saturday mornings. I will be out on a few of them. Anyone interested in coming along, just drop me a note.
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Powell:
Just curious, what is the price tag for all of that work?
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I had the pleasure of playing the course with Powell recently and had a wonderful day out. The course was extremely enjoyable and I am sure the renovation will only improve an already great place. Powell, could you please discuss the decision around which iteration of the course to benchmark the restoration to. I believe you mentioned the original Tillie and post Flynn work as two of the options when we played. Thanks.
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Congrats! Keith Foster does really great work.
Having seen what he did at Orchard Lake you guys should be very excited.
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Here is a time lapse video showing the work done to the 5th green. The duration is 1 day!
5thGreenTimeLapse (http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?feature=em-upload_owner&v=v1lsOaRicvM&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dv1lsOaRicvM%26feature%3Dem-upload_owner)
Overall, the work will be completed over the next 14 weeks - and then the membership gets to sit and watch it grow in through the fall and spring growing seasons.
The contractor is Medalist. They recently completed a project a Charlotte Country Club.
I will get to the other questions shortly.
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Three days of construction and the fifth green is stripped and ready for lasering.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsc6092cfb.jpg)
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsc61454c9.jpg)
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Tom, I know the club wouldn't want the cost posted, but I will describe the scope of work:
Kill and seed fairways with bent
Rebuild and sod greens with A1/A4 bent (have never been rebuilt since opening in 1922)
Install drainage and rebuild bunkers (these are also original construction)
Restore bunkers that have been lost over time
Reconstruct and sod tee boxes
New irrigation system (the current system is ca. 1960)
Much of the work is deferred maintenance - deferred over 90 years.
There was significant tree removal work done in the winter of 09 and 10. The majority if that work was done in house, except for the big stuff which required experts. That work was done under the guidance of Keith Foster's master plan.
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I had the pleasure of playing the course with Powell recently and had a wonderful day out. The course was extremely enjoyable and I am sure the renovation will only improve an already great place. Powell, could you please discuss the decision around which iteration of the course to benchmark the restoration to. I believe you mentioned the original Tillie and post Flynn work as two of the options when we played. Thanks.
Jim, good question. The course opened in 1922, and in 1928 Flynn was brought in to do some work. It was originally characterized as a turf project, but grew to include some bunker work. Most of that work was on the front 9, adding bunkers on the right of both 6 and 9. Overall, Flynn supervised the addition of three new tees (6,8,11) ; eight new fairway bunkers and three enlarged fairway bunkers, and raising of the 10th tee.
The decision was made to restore the course in accordance to the Tillinghast plans and design intent, but keeping some of the bunkers added by Flynn. The basis for his decision is that the course is predominantly Tillinghast, with some enhancements delivered by Flynn. Picking a specific architectural theme allows for clarity in research of what to restore and deliver, and clarity for what the finished product will be.
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Removing decades of sand buildup from the front of 4 green to improve visibility on the approach to this par 5.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps13332932.jpg)
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This is such a cool property. I was fortunate to play it on the 8th of June with two members. I can't wait to see the restoration of Hell's half acre on 4 and the quarter acre bunkering on 14. It will also be neat to experience the new tee and green reconstruction on 15, the redan. I'm trying to imagine the existing 7th as a long par 4. It's a stout test now, I'm certain it will be even better next year after it reopens.
Congratulations to the members for having the vision and patience for the transformation.
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This is such a cool property. I was fortunate to play it on the 8th of June with two members. I can't wait to see the restoration of Hell's half acre on 4 and the quarter acre bunkering on 14. It will also be neat to experience the new tee and green reconstruction on 15, the redan. I'm trying to imagine the existing 7th as a long par 4. It's a stout test now, I'm certain it will be even better next year after it reopens.
Congratulations to the members for having the vision and patience for the transformation.
We will likely return the course to the original routing. 1-2-3-7-8-9-4-5-6. Tough opening seven!
That was the routing for the first 30 years or so. The reason for the change is lost to history.
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Tom, I know the club wouldn't want the cost posted, but I will describe the scope of work:
Gas and seed fairways
Rebuild and sod greens (have never been rebuilt since opening in 1922)
Install drainage and rebuild bunkers (these are also original construction)
Restore bunkers that have been lost over time
Reconstruct and sod tee boxes
New irrigation system (the current system is ca. 1960)
Much of the work is deferred maintenance - deferred over 90 years.
There was significant tree removal work done in the winter of 09 and 10. The majority if that work was done in house, except for the big stuff which required experts. That work was done under the guidance of Keith Foster's master plan.
Jim:
It's too bad that the club does not want the cost of the work posted. There is no way for other clubs to figure out whether such work is affordable and practical, when you post all the info about a big renovation online EXCEPT what it costs to do it.
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Tom: My email address is below each post. And I would bet you could estimate the cost of the work within 10 percent given your expertise. Powell
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Thank's for the clarification on the routing, Powell.
One really cool feature I noticed, I believe on 1st green and maybe the 11th as well, was a phenomenon I'm not sure I've seen before, what I will call a disapearing tier in the green. The right back half of the 1st green has a pronounced tier which gradually is overtaken by the greens overall natural grade as it angles to the left side of the green. I'm sorry I don't have a photo to illustrate it. Just a really interesting formation. As soon as I saw it I thought, "Why don't we see that employed more often?"
It's features like this that set one to pondering eureka moments in architecture. About 27 years ago I played Crown Point Country Club in West Springfield VT. The 10th hole there is a short dog leg right to a green set on a shelf, less than driver unless you are Hogan straight. I was stunned to discover that the green is prominently two tiered, but with the bifurcation set at a 45 degree angle to the line of approach. All other tiered greens I had seen to that point in my life were bifurcated at a 90 degree angle. Since that experience I have looked for similar architecture and don't recall another hole with such a pronounced angling of the tiers to the line of attack, although 16 at Merion is somewhat similar. I bet the dreaded word "fairness" has something to do with it.
Incidentally, Crown Point was designed and constructed entirely by the membership after the war over a several year period. They bought a bull dozer and had at it. Dwight Eisenhauer used to play it in the summer as his wife had family in Springfield. Bobby Locke also frequented the place for a similar reason. It's conditioning is not great, but the site is spectacular with great views north, west, and south.
I know, off topic.
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Charlie, that is a pretty cool feature. Good eye! It is very prevalent on 1. A bit on 11 and 18. All three with a ridge on the right side perpendicular to the approach and a consistent back to front slope on the left. Makes for some very intersting putts, and increases the need to go at the flag and risk a short siding for a miss.
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Powell,
I don't believe my eye is as good as you might think, I didn't notice the feature on 18. By the way, 18 at Wissahickon is about as good a staircase hole as I've seen anywhere. I was stunned by it. Wanted to replay it again right after we walked off the green. Got a much better idea of the importance of the drive after my first exposure. Great hole to end a round on. Should have put the angle needed together after I looked up the hole repeatedly before we tee'd off.
I am going to look forward to your photos over the next several months as reconstruction moves along. You guys have a special property that is going to be substantially enhanced by Foster's touch. By the way, another hole that I really fell for right after walking off the tee was 12. That's a superb par 5.
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18 plays really well from the 1st fairway! That hole will be largely unchanged, other than raising the entire green approx 2 ft to minimize the frequency of flooding.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps9ea4a9f9.jpg) (http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps9ea4a9f9.jpg)
12 will benefit from a new back tee to the right, calling for cape-like drive across the old quarry. With that change and the restoration of the hells half acre on 4 (new 7), the two remaining par 5's will be much more interesting holes than they have been.
I'll post an aerial of that and try to find a good photo of the 1st green.
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Powell,
When the greens are regrassed what will the process consist of? Those greens must have native soil as a base. Will there be drainage added? Will there be amendment to the soil? What grass variety is going on top? By the way, I thought the grass there provided a fine putting surface. My playing partners told me that most of the existing contours would be kept except where there were going to be substantial modifications, such as at 15.
Thank you for your tour and explanation.
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Powell, could you please discuss the decision around which iteration of the course to benchmark the restoration to. I believe you mentioned the original Tillie and post Flynn work as two of the options when we played. Thanks.
Jim, here's some further detail on the benchmark for the restoration goal. As mentioned above, in 1928, Flynn supervised the addition of 8 FW bunkers and 3 tees, plus a critical turf health project. Flynn did not do any work to the green complexes or approaches. Of that work, the only item not included in the restoration will be the tee added for 6 that was to the right of 5 green. We played that tee on your visit, and not the typical tee that plays left of 5 green and hugs the property boundary left.
The general benchmark of the restoration is shown in the 1938 aerial shown below.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps55d31697.jpg) (http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps55d31697.jpg)
When contrasted to the 1930 aerial blow, there is some work on 4&7, top right of photo, and 14 green front, bottom left, that includes some artistic touches to the FW bunkers and hell's half acre. It is believed that this work was designed by Tillinghast and implemented in 1931-1934.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps6bed173e.jpg) (http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps6bed173e.jpg)
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Powell,
When the greens are regrassed what will the process consist of? Those greens must have native soil as a base. Will there be drainage added? Will there be amendment to the soil? What grass variety is going on top? By the way, I thought the grass there provided a fine putting surface. My playing partners told me that most of the existing contours would be kept except where there were going to be substantial modifications, such as at 15.
Thank you for your tour and explanation.
Charlie,
The greens are being built to USGA spec. You are correct, they currently sit on the 1922 native soil.
Drainage is being added to the greens and bunkers. None exisits today, except where added as spot solutions in recent years.
The greens will be A1/A4 bentgrass. They will be sod, and that sod has been growing in south Jersey for about 12 months.
You are also correct, the green contours will remain. They will not be restored as you saw them, but as they were originally, allowing for more cupable areas on the recaptured surfaces. For example, on 5, the rim at the front of the green goes away. That was created by decades of sand spray from the front and left bunkers.
I am hopeful that our Director of Grounds, Dan Meersman, will put together a brief video to illustrate the contour restoration.
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Powell,
So you're going to go with complete reconstruction of the greens. A1 A4 is my favorite surface. It will look different than the old surfaces as it tends to be more uniform, a little darker green, and less mottled. I think it putts phenomenally and it can be sped up and survive, at least as far as I'm aware. It's in use at such diverse locations as PH #2 (they are going to change out to a dwarf bermuda after the Open) and Vesper CC in Tyngsboro MA, a stones throw from the NH border.
If you know, what type of sand is going into the bunkers? One member I played with told me the liners will be the porrous aggregate type. I don't know much about them, but I have read good reviews, supposed to last 30 years and help prevent washout during heavy rains.
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Powell,
Will they bring back that pot bunker in the middle of the layup area on #4? If so, how deep will it be?
I would say the features I am most excited to see at the end of this are the grand hazard (and centerline bunker in the layup area) on 4, the Hell's Quarter Acre on 14, and the restoration of the playing angle on the redan 15th.
Brian
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I got to play the Wissahickon course three times over two days when my team played in UPenn's tournament there in early April 2011. The course was wonderful--especially the really tough greens (especially at the speed they were presented!). But the single feature that stood out to me was how absolutely perfect the fairways were. They were tight, firm and just absolutely spectacular. Gassing them and regrassing--those are some high standards!
Love the routing change too, as the walk from the current 6th green to the 10th tee flows better than the current 9th to the 10th tee. Will the trees along that edge of the property be removed?
Awesome stuff; looking forward to seeing the results.
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Charlie: the restored bunkers will be lined with pourous asphalt, as was done in 2010 at Cricket's Militia Hill course. I am not sure of the type of sand specified for Wissahickon. I will find out.
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Powell,
Will they bring back that pot bunker in the middle of the layup area on #4? If so, how deep will it be?
I would say the features I am most excited to see at the end of this are the grand hazard (and centerline bunker in the layup area) on 4, the Hell's Quarter Acre on 14, and the restoration of the playing angle on the redan 15th.
Brian
Brian, the decision has not been made yet on that feature. As the club makes decisions about specific features, Foster and Meersman are asking a tough question: why does that feature no longer exist. Maybe maintenance dollars, maybe duffers dread effect, maybe too difficult for all,etc. I think that is a very good question. Just because a feature existed doesn't mean it was good or effective. We undertook the restoration with the broad approval of the entire membership, and want to be sure that the end product is something that is enjoyable for that same breadth of membership and ability.
I agree with your list. The par 5's No longer will be the collective "ho-hum" holes on the course. 15 goes from a hard hole to a great redan. I think we will all be pleasantly surprised to see the results at the dueling par 3's, numbers 3 & 10. Keith views this as a specia, unique attribute of the course and wants to treat it as such. 3 will be fronted as native area. The view of 10 green will be enhanced from 10 tee (as was done in the 1928 Flynn work)
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I got to play the Wissahickon course three times over two days when my team played in UPenn's tournament there in early April 2011. The course was wonderful--especially the really tough greens (especially at the speed they were presented!). But the single feature that stood out to me was how absolutely perfect the fairways were. They were tight, firm and just absolutely spectacular. Gassing them and regrassing--those are some high standards!
Love the routing change too, as the walk from the current 6th green to the 10th tee flows better than the current 9th to the 10th tee. Will the trees along that edge of the property be removed?
Awesome stuff; looking forward to seeing the results.
Tim, the gassing and seeding is an offshoot of the fairways being torn up for irrigation demo and installation. And a small cost for consistent turf going forward.
It is likely that we will build a bridge from old 6 green to 10 tee, spanning the drainage ditch that sits there and thinning out the trees as well.
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Charlie: the restored bunkers will be lined with pourous asphalt, as was done in 2010 at Cricket's Militia Hill course. I am not sure of the type of sand specified for Wissahickon. I will find out.
We did two of our bunkers using the porous asphalt as a test. They are the best bunkers on our course and when we do the rest of our bunkers, we will use this method on all.
We love those done at our other course.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps57f1783b.jpg)
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Removal of sand buildup on 8 green from bunker green side left.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps3891c507.jpg) (http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps3891c507.jpg)
1st and 18th fairways looking ready for seeding.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps1fecdc3c.jpg) (http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps1fecdc3c.jpg)
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Keith Foster checking out the fine grading of 5 greenside right bunker.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsa62e1935.jpg) (http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsa62e1935.jpg)
5 green front. Wow, that's deep. Note the roof of the atv parked in the bunker.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps682bdb6d.jpg) (http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps682bdb6d.jpg)
Plenty of work underway. The fairways on the back 9 have been gassed and are already seeded with bent.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpse30e06b2.jpg) (http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpse30e06b2.jpg)
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5 from greenside left ca.2007
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsdc37058d.jpg) (http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsdc37058d.jpg)
And today
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps56f4de0f.jpg) (http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps56f4de0f.jpg)
You've come a long way, baby
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsee2ce249.jpg) (http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsee2ce249.jpg)
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Great updates Powell! I keep checking for twitter updates as well.
Mark
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Below is the construction update from cricket's Director of Grounds, Dan Meersman. There is also a 5 minute YouTube video that does a great job explaining the restored green contours. The video is here: http://youtu.be/fvYw2N4ITk8 (http://youtu.be/fvYw2N4ITk8)
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Following a productive week of work, Keith Foster approved Wissahickon's Phase 1 green surfaces! Currently, we are laser scanning the approved surfaces. Following scanning, the work of "coring-out" and constructing Wissahickon's USGA greens can begin.
For a more detailed explanation of the beginning portion of our greens process, please click on the video link to our ground blog, www.philacricketgm.blogspot.com
Holes 5 & 6
Holes five and six are coming along nicely as our contractor is gradually transitioning from rough-grading to finish-grading in many areas. Next week, following Keith's approval of these areas, we will begin to show members their finish-grade state prior to grassing.
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These updates are great, Powell. As I know the course, it's easy for me to orient myself to the photos, which is nice I'm keen to see what greenside bunker surrounds look like without the years of build up. It will allow me to notice this type of buildup at other course more easily. Is a restored leftward redan tee in the works? It would create a more interesting and dangerous angle. Is there room to the right of the green before the property line to accomodate shots going a bit long and right? Thanks for the updates and best of luck.
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Shi$,
Yes, theres a new redan tee going in that will allow the more interesting angle for the tee shot. The area right of the green is going to be expanded and cleared out for the bail out shots. Though I imagine it will be a difficult recovery from over there.
Mark
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To the current right of 15,the club has acquired approx 0.1 acres where the hedges and OB sit. So, in the redan configuration, long will not flirting with OB. Also, the three bunkers that currently sit greenside left , will become one 10 foot deep bunker sitting green front left along the new line.
This hole is the one that has the biggest change to the line of play, and one of the most exciting wholesale change in restoration
Dan Meersman's YouTube video does a nice job of explaining the sand buildup over time.
This photo to the greenside right of 8 shows the removal of buildup. The photo is clickable for higher resolution.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps104b90ec.jpg) (http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps104b90ec.jpg)
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Mark, how goes it? The new, or should I say restored, leftward redan tee is a nice addition. I remember we discussed it but I wasn't sure if it was definitely going to happen. I had a nice discussion with Geoff Shackelford at the Open while I was marshalling the 15th. He loves the old course at your club.
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Yeah, I'm glad he got to see St. Martins. It's a really neat throwback.
Mark
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John,
Here are two photos from today that depict two things you raised.
Here is 15 with the hedges gone. No more OB right.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps153bae45.jpg) (http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps153bae45.jpg)
And here is the view of the approach shot in the par 5 #4 with the sand buildup at the green front removed.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpscfd562c4.jpg) (http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpscfd562c4.jpg)
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Powell, that picture of 4 green complex hints at a really fun front right flag!
Mark
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I remember wandering to the right of the 15th and noticing that the OB seemed arbitrary as there was only brush over there and perhaps a property line more than far enough back to not be an issue. Is only the underbrush being removed? It seems as if it can be opened up quite a bit. And if I recall the master plan drawing the bunkers are staying. Still a beast of a hole at 190-whatever.
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I remember wandering to the right of the 15th and noticing that the OB seemed arbitrary as there was only brush over there and perhaps a property line more than far enough back to not be an issue. Is only the underbrush being removed? It seems as if it can be opened up quite a bit. And if I recall the master plan drawing the bunkers are staying. Still a beast of a hole at 190-whatever.
John,
The property line between the course and the quarry actually runs right down the old hedge line. As part of the restoration, the club acquired the 0.1 acre to the right of the hedges to what appeared to be the property line at the rim of the quarry. That whole area will be cleared of the unmanaged growth.
The little bunkers that currently sit greenside right go away. The three bunkers that are greenside right , which will become greenside front left, her combined into one massive bunker. In describing it, 12 feet deep, vertical sod wall, Keith Foster chuckled and described it as "a place you really don't want to be"
We are really looking forward to the transformation of this hole. It goes from a hard, bad hole to a classic! Redan green pinable from 150 to 200 yards, firm right approach to allow a bail out - good stuff!
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Hopefully they take all the fill from Hells Half Acre and use it to build up the kickpad on 15
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The work on 15 sounds like it will make the hole the most transformed of all the holes on the course. It may become the best redan in our area. Come to think of it, I cannot think of any redans on any Philly area courses. Does Hidden Creek count?
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I've heard the redan at HC is quite good. We will have to make that comparison when its completed.
That said, yes 15 is going to be one of the most transformed holes. That along with the 4th and 14th.
Mark
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John,
I can think of a couple that have redan stying to them. Number 3 at Merion East has some reverse redan features. Number ten at Rolling Green also has some redan elements and number 14 there is another example of a par 3 with reverse redan features.
Number 4 at Hidden Creek is a superb rendition, one of my favorites on the planet. It has more of the classic elements than the other 3 holes I mentioned.
Can't wait to play the new 15 at Wissahickon. It's going to be a dandy, especially if they take Mckeevers advice and put the 1/4 acre excavation material into the kick mounding on the rightside of the hole.
Powell, thanks for the continued updating. I learn more about the project every time I check in.
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Agreed on #15. Looks like it's going to be a real winner!
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I took a guided tour of the front 9 construction this morning with a couple of guests. The fine details of what we saw are awesome. I didn't get photos of everything but will share as they become available. I hope to be able to find photos that do justice to the details Keith and Medalist are building.
The fifth green has been cored and detail raking of the green's gravel layer will be complete today, July 6.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsc63a545d.jpg) (http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsc63a545d.jpg)
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsb509b93a.jpg) (http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsb509b93a.jpg)
It will be sodded this coming week. The main lines for the new irrigation system were done in the spring, while the course was still open for play, so that system can be energized to establish and maintain the sod.
The reclaimed green is about 25 percent larger than the green of the past few years. And the removal of decades of sand buildup results in substantially more cupable locations, probably increasing from 4 locations to 8.
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All 18 fairways were gassed the first week of construction. Construction has not yet started on the back 9, but those fairways have already been seeded with bent. That new bent can also serve as sod for the holes currently under construction, if need be.
Basically, only 6 holes can be under construction at any time. That constraint is from the erosion control plan approved by the Commonwealth of PA.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsd81f177b.jpg) (http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsd81f177b.jpg)
Walk-spraying new fairways to limit traffic during germination.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps68cb0247.jpg) (http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps68cb0247.jpg)
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Tee drainage on 5
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps3ca37e89.jpg) (http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps3ca37e89.jpg)
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Powell,
The term "gassed" has been used on several occasions re the fairways. Can you explain the process? After the gassing was the new irrigation added, after the old was removed, and then the fw's were reseeded? How long will it take to put in the new irrigation? I saw the pipe stacked at numerous locations the day I played it.
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Powell,
Were the old greens composted?
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Powell,
The term "gassed" has been used on several occasions re the fairways. Can you explain the process? After the gassing was the new irrigation added, after the old was removed, and then the fw's were reseeded? How long will it take to put in the new irrigation? I saw the pipe stacked at numerous locations the day I played it.
Charlie, we killed the turf on our fairways with herbicide and reseeded into them with bent.
Regarding irrigation, our new irrigation main-lines were installed between the holes this spring while the course was open. This allows us to "carry water" with us during the project as we progress around the property. When the times comes to dis-engage from the old system at each hole, prior to earthwork, we still have water in our new system in very close proximity. Once the contractor finishes each hole, the new sprinklers can be quickly placed from lateral lines off of the new mainline. This process allows for a very quick transition from finish grade to taking care of the new turf immediately.
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Dan, the old green grass was composted. Most everything is staying on site to be recycled or reused. Excess earth is being used for construction elsewhere on site, fescue harvested to transplant on the St Martins course, etc. Dan Meersman has done a great job of reuse as part of normal operations across all 45 holes.
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Installation of greens mix on 5. Note the earth curbing for an indication of depth. Sod arrives within the next week and the new irrigation system will be watering this completed hole!
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps95d76fb1.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/null_zps95d76fb1.jpg.html)
View of bunker fronting 5 green. Note the articulated earth face. Sand will be similar in consistency to that used at the Militia Hill course, and darker in color.
from left
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps323a7af9.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/null_zps323a7af9.jpg.html)
from fairway approach
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps0f764793.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/null_zps0f764793.jpg.html)
from right
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsce4e1011.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/null_zpsce4e1011.jpg.html)
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That bunker looks phenomenal!
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The work on 15 sounds like it will make the hole the most transformed of all the holes on the course. It may become the best redan in our area. Come to think of it, I cannot think of any redans on any Philly area courses. Does Hidden Creek count?
John,
Huntingdon Valley's 3rd is a very good redan. Probably the best in the area as it stands now.
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The first load of sand goes into the new bunkers on 5 (view from on 5 green looking back down the fairway)
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpse8794181.jpg) (http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpse8794181.jpg)
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Hole 5 really did not have a lot of dramatic changes when described verbally. Lower the tee so the shot feels more uphill, deepen bunkers and move slightly and reclaim cupable green surface lost to decades of sand spray. I think the photos tell the story of how dramatic these changes are when implemented on the ground.
And now on work on a hole that does have a dramatic difference in words. The par 5 4th will have the Great Hazard reintroduced. (It was removed ca 1980 as an accommodation to less skilled players. ). The Great Hazard will be a second shot hazard, running from approx 310 to 380 yards off of the tee. The right side will be much less carry but the left side is the preferred approach to this green which is substantially enlarged with the removal of sand build up.
Start the excavators!
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsa979d926.jpg) (http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsa979d926.jpg)
This shot of Keith Foster and the Medalist team gives a good sense of scale for the Great Hazard
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps2d110fa2.jpg)
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First time i've chimed in here (i think? ??? ).... This is great stuff watching these changes unfold... many thanks for posting these updates. About 8 years ago, i brought a couple buddies East with me... one is a member at Olympic the other from Wichita CC and Prairie Dunes. We played Merion, Aronimink, and Cricket... and of course they loved all three. But I remember them thinking how awesome this course - Philly Cricket - was that they'd never heard of before, and how many truly great courses the Phila. area has.
Congrats again to the Phila. Cricket membership!!!
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Another perspective of the sand installation this morning, July 9, in the green front bunker on 5. No doubt , that bunker is DEEP! Strong defense for a short par 4 , approx 350 yards.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps1e0e6fca.jpg)
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Im hoping not many balls get hung up on the lip of that bunker! ;D
Mark
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Im hoping not many balls get hung up on the lip of that bunker! ;D
Mark
Time for a preemptive reading of Rule 28
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I've really enjoyed watching updates on the work. Keep them coming.
That's some bunker on the 5th!
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I can't wait to see how deep they dig for HHA.
Mark
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I've really enjoyed watching updates on the work. Keep them coming.
That's some bunker on the 5th!
And here is 5 today with the bunkers sanded and grassed! Taken from approx 125 yards out, right side of fairway
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsccdab4c5.jpg)
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:o :o :o :o
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Here is a time lapse video showing the start of construction of the Great Hazard on #4, a 493 yard par 5 played to an elevated green with a large fronting bunker.
Here's the yardage book from last year.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsf9cfe8b8.jpg)
For reference, the camera is placed right of the fairway and is looking towards to green. The near side of the visible existing bunker is 264 off of the member tee and leaves a 240 shot in to the green.
http://youtu.be/7pUIc9fyPQY (http://youtu.be/7pUIc9fyPQY)
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A couple updates from my round at the Militia Hill course next door. See the expanded 5 green below.
(http://i41.tinypic.com/riydzt.jpg)
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And some initial shaping of some of the Hell's Half Acre features. Looking good!
(http://i40.tinypic.com/11tv9zm.jpg)
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Powell,
When the crew excavated the area for the reclaimed Hell's Half Acre did they find anything of interest beneath the sod? Your pictorial is wonderful to follow along with.
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This is what GCA is all about! What a great thread.
Thanks guys
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When the crew excavated the area for the reclaimed Hell's Half Acre did they find anything of interest beneath the sod?
Charlie, they have not found anything on HHA, yet.
They did find a couple of golf balls during the excavation of the #5 greenside bunkers. Nothing special, just a couple of balls circa 1980.
One of the interesting finds so far has been that the old sprinkler lines and heads were actually installed within the perimeter of the old green pads. The greens had shrunk so much over time that no one realized that sprinklers were being installed in green area.
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Rebuild and sod greens with A1/A4 bent (have never been rebuilt since opening in 1922)
How did the club decide to use A1/A4 and not one of the newer bents such as 007 or Tyee? Why did the club decide to sod instead of see the greens?
Thanks in advance
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Good Lord , hope I get onto the team that rates this course. It looks fantastic!!
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Rebuild and sod greens with A1/A4 bent (have never been rebuilt since opening in 1922)
How did the club decide to use A1/A4 and not one of the newer bents such as 007 or Tyee? Why did the club decide to sod instead of see the greens?
Thanks in advance
David, below is a comprehensive answer from Cricket's Director of Grounds, Dan Meersman:
Sodding
We wanted our turf to be as mature as possible when we opened for member play, and sodding reduces risk and washouts during construction.
Sodding also reduced our construction window. This gave our members six additional months of golfing.
Because we planned in advance we were very involved in all aspects of the seeding and grow-in process at the farm. In the end, we are getting exactly what we wanted; versus whatever some sod farm had in stock.
I don't begrudge anyone who chooses to seed either, but greens sod has gotten an unfair reputation because a lot of clubs in the past who have sodded their greens "had to sod" their greens because they needed a quick turn-around following some loss of turf in August; which then forced a hasty, un-planned greens program.
Often times in these situations, they lost turf in the first place because of bad growing environments; not because of the green. Therefore, when they find themselves in the throws of their season in September and October, they quickly have to react and sod a new surface in the same bad growing environment....which obviously fails again. During such times, they have to get whatever sod anyone has in stock. Truthfully, not many folks have experience sodding a complete greens program with 18 good growing environments, using the exact sod they had planned on using years ahead of time.
In our case we improved every greens growing environment years ahead of time. Therefore, we already had great turf on every green when we closed. These same great growing environments gives our new sod their best chance for success.
There's a difference between planning a greens program, vs. reacting into a greens program.
A1/A4
Depending on geography, they have yet to develop an improvement of A1/A4, thankfully there is not a lot to improve. We already have it on Militia Hill, it grows great on our site, and it was an area which our members can expect consistency between the two courses. Genetically, 007 is an improvement of L93. Wouldn't necessarily say it's better than A1/A4. 007 is indeed a great turf, and we are using it on fairways, tees, and approaches.
What's funny about the seed variety debate, and superintendents do this too, is you can grow great quality turf with almost any of the good varieties with good growing environments. Unfortunately, many courses go to great lengths to research a great seed variety, then place it in the same poor growing environments they had. Then, when the turf isn't optimal, they are fast to blame the grass variety, when the truth is, they didn't improve the growing environments.
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Good Lord , hope I get onto the team that rates this course. It looks fantastic!!
If not in the rating team, I bet we can find another solution!
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Powell,
Thanks so much for the detailed response :)
David
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Awesome. Brilliantly awesome!
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Tom Doak: I like the idea of the porous pavement as a base for the bunkers. I assume you install drainage beneath the porous pavement as in "typical" bunker construction. How much, if any, does adding the pavement cost to an average sized bunker ?
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Bruce - typical drainage is installed under the porous asphalt. The photo below is from when when installed at Cricket 's Militia Hill course to replace the bunker linings there 8 yrs after it opened.
As for cost, once the crew gets good, the cost is very close to the cost of a traditional bunker. The materials do cost a bit more, but the speed of the installation of the matrix asphalt product is at least 2 to 3 times faster than a traditional fabric liner. Bunkers filled today had the asphault conpleted in about 30-45 minutes per.
And the quality of the end product is much more consistent than the traditional fabric lined bunker that is stapled to the ground every 6-12 inches.
Send me a pm or email if you would like more specific information. It is easy to do a couple of test bunkers.
Merion recently did 9 bunkers on their West Course as the first part of their bunker project on that course.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsbd0b08aa.jpg)
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Good Lord , hope I get onto the team that rates this course. It looks fantastic!!
If not in the rating team, I bet we can find another solution!
Looking forward to it, great job.
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Laying sod on 5 green!
MM
(http://i44.tinypic.com/2w4b2x4.png)
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More sod for the 5th green
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps92f29670.jpg)
And some immediate water to avoid damage from the east coast heat wave
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsc88489db.jpg)
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Its been a while since we've seen a grand hazard update!
MM
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All in a day's work
Fifth green and sixth tee looking a bit different after today's sod work:
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps9537be52.jpg)
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsa76d3fe3.jpg)
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Its been a while since we've seen a grand hazard update!
MM
And here it is:
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps51d173ee.jpg)
Not the place to be.
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It looks disturbing. I like it...
MM
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Have the snapping turtles, snakes, and attacking red wing blackbirds been acquired yet? :) :)
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Powell,
You notice that McKeever is quite demanding about these updates?
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Gags,
I've avoided going down there simply because its such a tease.
Mark
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Mark,
Better to get the full blown effect after they get further along with construction.
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Mark,
Better to get the full blown effect after they get further along with construction.
Many would sit in lawn chairs watching if we could!
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The true challenge is going to be....having to watch the course grow in over the fall after all the work is done. That's going to be brutal.
Mark
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Another Hell's Half Acre update. They are using sand from old bunkers to build up the lips of the new traps. What a great idea. :)
(http://i39.tinypic.com/aepa12.png)
MM
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Keith Foster perfecting the bunker floor on the 6th hole bunker greenside front right. Note the green behind ready for sod.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsdd4a29d3.jpg)
Testing bunker zone irrigation on the right side of 6th fairway
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsbc35c4a9.jpg)
Very early rough grading for the huge bunker on the right of 7 fairway about 110 yards to 40 yards to the green. Are those church pews?
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps2b2df326.jpg)
Evening photo of the day's progress on the Great Hazard on 4
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps052d23a1.jpg)
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Grand hazard looks phenomenal!!
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Here's the latest overall report.
#5 / #6
#5 green and #6 tees were buttoned up this week. This provides a clear view of our finished product. Bentgrass green, tee, and approach sod was installed this week. In addition, the one-third of #5 fairway closest to the green was also sodded.
Other Progress
#6
We will be heading down the home-stretch on #6 next week. Sod has already been placed around two fairway bunkers. The remaining greenside bunkers were lined today. By the end of next week, we hope to achieve final approvals so we can complete the hole within the next couple weeks.
#4
"The Great Hazard" on #4 is transitioning from the rough-grading stage to the fine-grading stage.
During this process our new bunker faces are being sand-capped with our old bunker sand. As PCC lies in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the U.S., the combination of plenty of annual rainfall with heavy soils can cause native fescue to naturally become thick. Sand-capping is an effort to try to keep the new fescue drier, and thinner, than what they would naturally want to become.
We expect final approvals on all of #4 next week. This will allow us to sod around bunkers quickly thereafter.
Phase 1 Rough Grading
Rough grading continues on #4 & #7 tees, and all of #7. Next week, rough grading will begin on holes #8 and #9 as well.
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Detailing the bunker in the 4 drive landing area, fairway right. A drive landing in there may necessitate a lay up of the Great Hazard, seen in the background.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps6b6d9b1c.jpg)
4 from approach. Front bunker lining complete with sand being installed on the right bunker.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpseb07a969.jpg)
4 front end of fairway, right side, overlooking the bunker about 30 yards from green.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps87c9c424.jpg)
Tanto Irrigation installing #6 bunker zone irrigation alongside PCC staff installing matrix liner.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps353a1140.jpg)
Philly Cricket staff completing the fairway tie ins on 6
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps1e9614ca.jpg)
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Looks fantastic, how are you folks going to combat the current heat wave? Do the current conditions make it easier to work with the asphalt liners?
Cannot wait to see it in person, the Grand Hazard looks like something we saw at Carnoustie. May have to toss out the rating table for this hole.
Great job Sir.
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Looks fantastic, how are you folks going to combat the current heat wave? Do the current conditions make it easier to work with the asphalt liners?
...
Ed, everything has held on schedule throughout this heat wave. I dont think anyone working outside would find anything easier with a heat index exceeding 100!
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First mowing of 5rh green, four days after laying sod.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps543b7c2b.jpg)
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Fourth green from approach right of fairway approx 30 yards out. Green is ready for sod
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps78c78cf2.jpg)
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Will that sand lose some of its brightness over time? Looks like what they have at Augusta, which is great for Augusta, but probably not for this course.
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Will that sand lose some of its brightness over time? Looks like what they have at Augusta, which is great for Augusta, but probably not for this course.
Dan, there sand is Valley Forge "buff". It is the same sand that is Militia Hill, just a darker shade (buff). It isn't nearly as bright in person as the photos show.
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Yeah... I figured that after I hit the post button.
Everything's looking GREAT!
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Yeah... I figured that after I hit the post button.
Everything's looking GREAT!
Amazing how bright those photos get under the noon sun on 100 degree days. I'm surprised the bunkers don't have heat waves radiating off of them.
We are working to schedule a tour of the construction in the coming weeks. Hope you're able to make it and see it in person.
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Powell, I absolutely love the work that's being done out there. But i'll go ahead and say it: I'm disappointed in how benign the greenside bunkers on 4 and 6 look. Maybe it's different in person but why would the architect choose to put a relatively flat bunker in front of the 6th green when it is merely an iron and a wedge hole? Shouldn't a miss on such a hole be severely penalized? And what is deterring the longer player from hitting it in the bunker short with their second shot on 4? If I am in the fairway with 250-270 on that hole, I am thinking my best chance to make birdie is to hit it in the bunker and try and get up and down. Conversely, if the player lays up and is left with a wedge in his hand, why shouldn't the miss be severely penalized in line the point made about 6?
I realize my opinion carries no weight with the membership of Philadelphia Cricket Club and never will; I am simply trying to generate some discussion here. Overall the work looks absolutely phenomenal and I think it will elevate what is IMO already a top 5 course in the Philadelphia to a whole new level. But I am curious about the decision to somewhat curb the severity of the hazards on these two holes. I was told Keith Foster said that his goal was to make the redan bunker "a disturbing sight from the tee." Why not the same philosophy here?
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Fourth green from approach right of fairway approx 30 yards out. Green is ready for sod
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps78c78cf2.jpg)
This bunker looks pretty interesting as the lip on the right side of the trap faces away from the hole. It almost seems like it should be rotated 90 degrees.
Mark
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Brian,
I think you will find the bunker greenside front on 4 a lot deeper than the photos appear. There is a photo above with workers in the bunker that gives some perspective of its depth.
However, there is no doubt that every feature will not be made as penal as it could be.
Part of what Keith Foster is doing with the club's project leadership is making sure the course is enjoyable for all levels of the club's golfers. From what I understand from those discussions, that appears to me to be the toughest part of Keith's work. For context, Cricket has very active senior and ladies golf programs. We also have 150 players with indices below 7 and 20 at scratch or better. Quite a broad audience.
Before the project started, I was speaking with our Director of Grounds, Dan Meerman, and he brought up two key questions for thought. First, how many forced carries are you asking the golfer to navigate. Second, why were specific old features removed. Just because they were there in 1938 doesn't by default make them good.
For forced carries, there are forced carries on:
1, off the tee across the stream
2, on the approach, again across the stream (certainly 1 & 2 are non issues to better players, and probably wouldnt have entered your mind for a list of forced carries)
3, entire waste area tee to green (70-100 yards)
4, across HHA, 30 yards at extreme right, 100 yards on preferred line to left, plus on to elevated green
5, previously to the elevated green
etc...
Using these as an example, a key task is to make these holes manageable for higher handicap players. Hence, on 4, the HHA is less deep and less severe on the extreme right side. On 5, not really visible from the photos, the fairway now extends on the left around the greenside front bunker, so a player could approach the green on the ground at about 8 o'clock on the green. Also on 5, the fairway bunkers have been constructed with the sort of graduated penalty you described. There are three bunkers on the right side of the fairway. The bunker furtherest from the green is shallow, and they get progressively deeper with a higher face. The thought is that a shorter player or one electing to lay up will have a mild penalty, and the penalty gets two steps more severe for the longer player or player choosing driver.
For the rationale behind removing features over the years (meaning total removal, as opposed to diminished due to maintenance practices), one of the features still in question is the top shot bunker on 16, visible about 100 yards off of the tee at the bottom left of this 1938 aerial. Something will be done there, but the question remains open.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps09774eba.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/null_zps09774eba.jpg.html)
So, not really an answer to your question, but I hope this gives a bit of insight into the questions that Keith is discussing with the club as the final decisions are made in the field.
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16 tee in that old aerial looks very similar to today's 9 tee. Hopefully they bring that back. On a related note, check out that cool quarry face on the right side of 18 fairway. ;D
Mark
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Here's a look at the Great Hazard on 4 with the bunkers lined and filled with sand.
Not where you want to be - creating a formidable second shoot hazard
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsdabdfd06.jpg)
And now for a look at a new hole. A new championship tee was roughed in today on 9. It adds 40-50 yards to this brute of an uphill par 4. It sits behind the 8th green , about 40 feet from the edge of the maintenance facility!
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps4feebfe5.jpg)
The old layout of 9, uphill the whole way to a two tiered green. Par 4 1/2.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps78472557.jpg)
Another view of the new championship tee for 9, with the 8th green in the foreground.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps35b9f73d.jpg)
More photos soon, including sod laying on 4 and 6 greens from the two refrigerated trailers delivered today.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsc6c7b61f.jpg)
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So 9 is going to basically be an uphill 500 yard par 4. (shutter)
Mark
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Completed Green on 4
(http://i42.tinypic.com/280ji9g.png)
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Completed views of 6 green
(http://i43.tinypic.com/2prb768.png)
(http://i39.tinypic.com/2lx8i9j.png)
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Here's a view of 4 from a bit further away, showing the tie-in between the sodded green & approach and the fairway, to be seeded with bent.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsa3148317.jpg)
And the first hand cutting of 11 fairway, taken from the right of the 11 tee. All of the back 9 fairways have already been seeded, prior to any earthwork there. They should grow in enough to provide sod for patching of holes currently under construction, if needed beyond the sod that has been growing in South Jersey for the past year.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps98051430.jpg)
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Working Saturday morning, laying fescue sod in the Great Hazard on 4
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsf47127a2.jpg)
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In process of laying fescue sod, an awesome looking update of the grand hazard. ;D
(http://i44.tinypic.com/eqv5vp.png)
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Thanks for posting all of these great pictures & updates Powell. It's all incredibly exciting stuff. Great energy at the club & enthusiasm for the project continues to build as the work progesses. Very Best, Gibber
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Powell,
I'll tell you, though I played terribly the day I played the course, I would find 9 daunting on my best days. If its 500 uphill, even my best drive of around 260 will leave me with a fairway wood in, and I'm accounting for the drop to the fairway from the new tee. With OB right, that new configuration is going to take a hard hole and make it more daunting. If I recall properly, the current 7th hole is going to be reconfigured from a par 5 to a long par 4, so 7, 8, 9 are going to have considerable bite to them.
I would guess that the front nine is going to be the tougher of the two nines, and by a considerable margin. I can't think of a breather hole on it. With the changes on the back, there aren't going to be too many easy holes there, either. An already stout test, transitioning to a more challenging one.
By the way, Hell's half acre looks like its going to be visually quite appealing. Could you report on where it will start on the chord length of the hole and where it will end?
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Charlie - thank goodness those are only the back tees.
You're correct. We will be reverting to the original routing, which flips 4-6 and 7-9. So it goes 1.2.3.7.8.9.4.5.6
We were joking about how stout an opening. 1 is par 4 1/2. 2 is tricky on the approach off the locker room. 3 will be a 100 yard shot into a tiny green. 7 will be a 460 par four. 8 is a tough green. 9 - enough said. 4 has that Great Hazard. 5 is an elevated green with two tiers. 6 is ob left and a tricky green.
On 4, (to be 7) the great hazard will start at about 310 /320 off of the member tees, well beyond reach off the tee. It will be 80 yards of carry on the left side (preferred ) and maybe 20 yards of carry on the right. A lot of thought has gone in to new forward tee locations to make the course enjoyable to all. For example, 9 ( to be 6) has a new very forward tee that will go across the road & stream, basically at the start of the fairway on the left.
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Yeah, that front nine is going to be a beast. And the back is not going to be getting any easier. An updated HHA picture below. Beautiful work by Keith and the crew so far. :)
(http://i41.tinypic.com/axbeo2.png)
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Now you guys are just showing off! :) :) :)
(Wow!!!)
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This work is looking great!
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View today of the Great Hazard from the member's tee
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsad96295f.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/null_zpsad96295f.jpg.html)
And from the forward tees.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps103a355a.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/null_zps103a355a.jpg.html)
It's a second shot hazard, and it will be very interesting to watch tee shots here as the player hears the hazard screaming at them to get their tee shot in play.
Closeup of the bunker fairway left on 4 before the Great Hazard. Lay up or play 150+?
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsb357a7cf.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/null_zpsb357a7cf.jpg.html)
And it is far from over - Bunker reintroduced greenside left on 4
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps02300368.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/null_zps02300368.jpg.html)
Finishing the bunker asphalt liners on the left side of the 7th fairway
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps6826a69f.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/null_zps6826a69f.jpg.html)
And work has commenced on the back nine, with the coring of the 11th green, with the front 9 in the background beyond the railroad trestle.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpscacc4726.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/null_zpscacc4726.jpg.html)
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Hole 8 from the new (wince) 230 yard tee... :o
(http://i44.tinypic.com/2mw9vmt.png)
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Work underway on 10, 2 and 3.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps5ce4be70.jpg)
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps451d77ec.jpg)
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsbf6ed060.jpg)
Sod being delivered for the front 9 as it nears completion.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps055433c5.jpg)
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Are you folks going to leave any sand for the other 100 local Philly courses? It looks beautiful, my guess is it is better in person.
Tremendous effort by the club, well done.
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There's plenty of sand left for the rest of the Delaware Valley, although Cricket is sure using a bunch. I think we are making up for the lack of use since 1922, as the bunkers and greens were never rebuilt.
Work is nearing completion on 7 today.
Here's a view of the hole from the recent yardage book.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsf3823aad.jpg)
With the return to the original routing, this hole will by #4, and will play as a par 4 requiring a wood or hybrid approach. The greenside bunkers have been modified to allow for a slightly wider opening in the front allowing for shots to run up. That shot was available as a par 5, but the entrance was not as inviting.
Here's the completion of the right greenside bunker with the green being sodded in the background.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsb762d43e.jpg)
Here's a detailed view of the bunker fairway right from 90 to 40 yards from the green, with the restoration of the church pews clearly shown.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsd8ef0902.jpg)
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Here is a photo of the rough grading at 3. It is taken from the 9th green.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps9125b82e.jpg)
The 3rd green has changed significantly over the years, growing deep and narrow. It will be restored to a 100 to 110 yard shot to a kidney shapes green placed hard left against the railroad bed drop off, with a depth of 12-15 yards.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsd7f1a7e8.jpg)
Note the excavation on front of the green, removing about 4 feet of fill that has accumulated over decades. The green elevation relative to the tee is unchanged, but the excavation gives the appearance of a substantial push up.
The area from tee to green will be a spotty fescue and sand waste area, and tied into the same with the par 3 10th. Keith Foster has noted that these dueling par 3's create a unique sense of place for the Wissahickon course, and he wants the restoration work there to be particularly coordinated to reflect that sense.
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A sodded look at the 4th (Old 7th) green and bunkering.
(http://i44.tinypic.com/10xdm6w.png)
MM
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Now another look at the dueling par 3's (holes 3 and 10) after some initial grading. Looks like missing short on either of these is not going to end well...
Hole 3
(http://i41.tinypic.com/2ivhh1d.png)
Hole 10-Note the green is not as close to the parking lot.
(http://i43.tinypic.com/4juh01.png)
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A fresh new look at the 8th green from early this morning. Reintroduced back bunkers. Recaptured full size of green while maintaining strong undulations.
(http://i41.tinypic.com/15hd02a.jpg)
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Looking up hole 7 (now a par 4) with its new irrigation working well!
(http://i41.tinypic.com/23syuxi.jpg)
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New look at the first (back) tee with a relocated warm up putting green. If you were nervous about people watching before, you're going to be close enough to hear their comments now!!
(http://i41.tinypic.com/2hmdo8y.jpg)
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Thanks to Powell for a tour this morning. Trust me, the course looks even better in person!
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Thanks to Powell for a tour this morning. Trust me, the course looks even better in person!
I concur 100% place looks great.
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Overall, the project continues to progress well and made it through Tuesday's deluge and flooding with minimal setback.
Phase 1 (holes 4-9)
This past week #9 green was sodded. With the restoration of the green size, the bunker at the left, which had been approximately 40 yards from the green front edge is now approx 20 yards from the front.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps2e4d5251.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/null_zps2e4d5251.jpg.html)
#8 green will be sodded this weekend. All bunkers on #8 and #9 have been sanded.
In the following days, PCC staff will begin seeding #9 fairway, along with any rough areas which were not graded around #7, #8, and #9.
This will complete our wide-spread seeding of the course, as Phases 2 and 3 were seeded early this summer. Our staff will continue to re-seed thin areas, and areas affected by contractor traffic as the fall progresses.
Phase 2 (3, 10, 18, 1, 11, 17)
Bunker edging on holes #3 and #10 is nearing completion, and the greens mix has been installed on these holes as well. Work on green #2 will be next.
Phase 3 (12-17 tees)
The greens on Phase 3 were previewed this past week, and the contractor will begin their rough-grading work next week.
Another view of the par 3 8th, with the reintroduced back bunkers and the championship tee for #9 behind. The green had been approximately 10% back to front, it is now 8%, but the articulation of the bunkers make it look as if the slope has increased, not decreased.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps26858437.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/null_zps26858437.jpg.html)
This view gives some perspective on the depth of the bunkers behind.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps81c5c72a.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/null_zps81c5c72a.jpg.html)
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#10 green has moved just a couple of paces off of the fenceline from its old location.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsfe9320a3.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/null_zpsfe9320a3.jpg.html)
Director of Golf Jim Smith testing approach shots and angles on #2 with the two of our female golfers. An impressive amount of thought and detailing has gone into the work to be sure that the course is playable and challenging for shorter and longer hitters.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps4ff99055.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/null_zps4ff99055.jpg.html)
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Keith Foster supervising the grading of the new back tee on #1, which is part of the new practice putting green.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps89e2953c.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/null_zps89e2953c.jpg.html)
The road along the patio will be demolished and the patio extended, roughly to the extent of the old road. The practice putting green will be behind the members tee for #1, with the championship tee situated between 1 & 18. As Mark said, you will hear the silence on the deck as you tee off.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps98f2a09b.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/null_zps98f2a09b.jpg.html)
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A couple new looks at hole 3, the short par 3. :)
(http://i43.tinypic.com/2wddao9.png)
(http://i39.tinypic.com/206dkyo.png)
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In the last two pics, those bunkers on the right seem removed from the putting surface. are they part of this hole? what's in between them and the green? why the separation... what's the design theory with that? Just curious.
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Wayne, that was one of my first thoughts as well, and maybe Powell can help answer. My thought...may be to protect a forward tee on 10?
Mark
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Wayne, Mark is partially correct. The secondary purpose of the bunkers that are off of the green front right are there to protect 10 tee as much as possible. They are original to the Tillinghast design and the primary purpose was to give the dueling par 3's, #3 and #10, a distinct presence from each other, and those bunkers help accomplish that.
It's basically the bunkers right of the equipment in this photo.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsd2178960.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/null_zpsd2178960.jpg.html)
And shown here in a 1938 aerial:
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/f20e4a50-b2e5-4aad-8f66-7c49c0037528_zps1f343e80.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/f20e4a50-b2e5-4aad-8f66-7c49c0037528_zps1f343e80.jpg.html)
It now has visual separation from 10 tee (right and long, about 140 yards on a hole playing 100-110) and extra protection is prudent because right will be a popular miss with the drop off left being closer to the green.
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Wayne, Mark is partially correct. The secondary purpose of the bunkers that are off of the green front right are there to protect 10 tee as much as possible. They are original to the Tillinghast design and the primary purpose was to give the dueling par 3's, #3 and #10, a distinct presence from each other, and those bunkers help accomplish that.
It's basically the bunkers right of the equipment in this photo.
And shown here in a 1938 aerial:
It now has visual separation from 10 tee (right and long, about 140 yards on a hole playing 100-110) and extra protection is prudent because right will be a popular miss with the drop off left being closer to the green.
Powell, thanks. That's an interesting feature. How will the turf in between the green and bunkers be maintained... at fairway height or as rough? Will balls that just miss the green bounce and roll into that bunker or is there enough space in between that they'll collect in the valley? it looks like those that do end-up in that bunker will certainly have an interesting shot!
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Wayne, Mark is partially correct. The secondary purpose of the bunkers that are off of the green front right are there to protect 10 tee as much as possible. They are original to the Tillinghast design and the primary purpose was to give the dueling par 3's, #3 and #10, a distinct presence from each other, and those bunkers help accomplish that.
It's basically the bunkers right of the equipment in this photo.
And shown here in a 1938 aerial:
It now has visual separation from 10 tee (right and long, about 140 yards on a hole playing 100-110) and extra protection is prudent because right will be a popular miss with the drop off left being closer to the green.
Powell, thanks. That's an interesting feature. How will the turf in between the green and bunkers be maintained... at fairway height or as rough? Will balls that just miss the green bounce and roll into that bunker or is there enough space in between that they'll collect in the valley? it looks like those that do end-up in that bunker will certainly have an interesting shot!
Wayne, we have a good amount of flexibility there to add some teeth to the course if we wish. Right now, the grass height there is "to be determined". We will certainly have the ability to make it closely mown. None of the green will have collars, so we'll evaluate and make sure it isn't too severe a penalty for everyday play. Grass heights can obviously change for tournament play. An interesting case where lower heights add difficulty.
That option of different mowing heights also exists with the surrounds of many of the fairway bunkers. The bunkers are surrounded with fescue, which can be cut to fairway height should we wish to enlarge their effective gathering areas. The generaly thought now is that the fescue will be longer away from the line of play.
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This begs the question... in their current states, would you rather be playing at Liberty National or Wissahickon today?
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This begs the question... in their current states, would you rather be playing at Liberty National or Wissahickon today?
What are you referring to as "this"?
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This begs the question... in their current states, would you rather be playing at Liberty National or Wissahickon today?
What are you referring to as "this"?
I was implying that based on the overwhelmingly negative feedback this board has had on this week's Barclays venue and the overwhelmingly positive feedback this board has had for the restoration, it appears Wissahickon with half the holes still covered in dirt are about as interesting to play as Liberty National in tournament conditions.
Tongue in cheek, of course.
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Brian, I thought that's what you meant. As a tease, perhaps to personally torment mckeever, they have put flagsticks in on the completed holes.
#2 green may have had a few too many people inside the ropes yesterday to be playable.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsb4cd1f44.jpg)
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Powell,
The work looks terrific and I'm anxious to get down there next year and see it.
I was fortunate enough to have a great visit with some of the board members of Sands Point GC earlier this week and they are rightfully proud of their recent Keith Foster renovation of their AWT design. Very nice work.
Good luck and congrats on everything so far!
Cheers!
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Thanks, Steve.
1 and 18 look a little congested today, Brian
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps0421b966.jpg)
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That bunker on 2 looks nice and deep. I like it. ;D
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A couple of updated looks. First a the new look from behind hole 8 and headed up the 9th. (note the lack of a collar on 8 )
(http://i39.tinypic.com/3354f42.png)
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A couple of photos from in front of the green on the par 3 10th hole.
(http://i44.tinypic.com/2gvopah.png)
(http://i41.tinypic.com/2pt5407.png)
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Haven't checked in for a while. Looks like the work is progressing very nicely. Powell, what is the composition of the soil the course sits on? I know damn little about the geology of eastern PA. I ask the question because I would like to know what Keith had to consider regarding drainage in the renovation/restoration master plan.
I believe I played the course on June 7 after the deluge of the 6th where more than 4 inches of rain fell in the Philadelphia area. It rained hard enough that day for there to be standing water in the fairways at Hidden Creek, a course constructed on sand. Philadelphia Cricket was wet, and the stream was barely back in its banks, but the course was playable and it was not casual water everywhere, or really, anywhere, except near the creek. After 4 inches of rain in NH, our courses would have been soggy, with lots of casual water.
Keith must know the soil profile and I would be interested in it's composition.
Thank you again for your earnest reporting on the project. I can't wait to actually test it out, assuming McKeever will have me back.
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Haven't checked in for a while. Looks like the work is progressing very nicely. Powell, what is the composition of the soil the course sits on? I know damn little about the geology of eastern PA. I ask the question because I would like to know what Keith had to consider regarding drainage in the renovation/restoration master plan.
I believe I played the course on June 7 after the deluge of the 6th where more than 4 inches of rain fell in the Philadelphia area. It rained hard enough that day for there to be standing water in the fairways at Hidden Creek, a course constructed on sand. Philadelphia Cricket was wet, and the stream was barely back in its banks, but the course was playable and it was not casual water everywhere, or really, anywhere, except near the creek. After 4 inches of rain in
Keith must know the s oil profile and I would be interested in it's composition..
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Haven't checked in for a while. Looks like the work is progressing very nicely. Powell, what is the composition of the soil the course sits on? I know damn little about the geology of eastern PA. I ask the question because I would like to know what Keith had to consider regarding drainage in the renovation/restoration master plan.
I believe I played the course on June 7 after the deluge of the 6th where more than 4 inches of rain fell in the Philadelphia area. It rained hard enough that day for there to be standing water in the fairways at Hidden Creek, a course constructed on sand. Philadelphia Cricket was wet, and the stream was barely back in its banks, but the course was playable and it was not casual water everywhere, or really, anywhere, except near the creek. After 4 inches of rain in
Keith must know the s oil profile and I would be interested in it's composition..
Charlie, the course generally sits on loam subsoil. It obviously drains very well. As I imagine you saw, the bunkers were original from 1922 and had no drainage. That has been installed as part of the restoration, along with drainage for tee boxes and greensites. We have encountered very little rock in our limited excavation.
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A couple of folks have asked offline about the statement that there will not be collars on the restored greens.
There is an aesthetic reason and a practical reason. The aesthetic reason is that overall, we want a more natural look. Not checked mowing patterns, no built up tees, simple green cuts.
The practical is greens that are 20-25 percent larger with substantially more hole locations. The 8th green is 113 paces in diameter. At 3 feet of collar, that is about 1,000 sf and our greens average 6,000 sf. When you need to be a couple of paces from the edge of collar to place a cup, and end up losing what would be neat hole locations because they are now too close to the edge of green (collar). This is a somewhat new way of thinking and it may result in some atypical shots to Cricket. Those rare shots aren't a concern when weighed against the substantial increase in hole locations, (even with the restored greens, which are 25% larger than the ones pre-restoration).
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A couple of folks have asked offline about the statement that there will not be collars on the restored greens.
There is an aesthetic reason and a practical reason. The aesthetic reason is that overall, we want a more natural look. Not checked mowing patterns, no built up tees, simple green cuts.
The practical is greens that are 20-25 percent larger with substantially more hole locations. The 8th green is 113 paces in diameter. At 3 feet of collar, that is about 1,000 sf and our greens average 6,000 sf. When you need to be a couple of paces from the edge of collar to place a cup, and end up losing what would be neat hole locations because they are now too close to the edge of green (collar). This is a somewhat new way of thinking and it may result in some atypical shots to Cricket. Those rare shots aren't a concern when weighed against the substantial increase in hole locations, (even with the restored greens, which are 25% larger than the ones pre-restoration).
I'll have to take a wait and see approach on this. Given the speed that the greens are likely to be kept I can see some potential issues with a roll-off part of the green that runs right into heavy rough. How high will the grass at the green to rough transition be? If the rough is high and or thick bladed I could easily see a day full of being on the green but up against rough being very trying.
Also, what types of shots are expected from these lies. If you can't get cleanly to the back of the ball with a putter or hybrid type of club won't people be trying to hit chips with a downward striking blow. This would seemingly chew up the edges of the greens if divots are taken.
I've seen this at a couple of mom and pop publics (Deer Valley out here in central PA for one) and I did not think it worked real well. I'm sure this was thought out by people with more experience than me but I'll have to see it in action before I'm convinced.
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Jim, time will tell. We have done a lot of thinking about this, and have spoken with folks outside of the club and design team, and right now think the substantial increase in green size and cupable locations is worth it. The rough will be cut with this in mind.
You're right, it could be a long day if one is sculling shots that day. Practice your bellied wedge putt.
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Powell and Mark,
WOW!
I have been out of the loop this past month and hardly looking at GCA. I am astounded at the improvements at Cricket. This is huge!
Powell, I'm going to push for next years ULC vs ULC match to come to Flourtown.
Best,
Malcolm
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Charlie, you're welcome anytime. Any maybe even Sheehan again..
As one who commonly plays the bellied wedge shot when up against the rough, I am excited to see this feature come into the greens at Wissahickon. Hopefully we dont have many people trying to hit down on those shots.
Mark
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I know it's a problem grammatically, but the redesign is simply delicious!
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I'm really enjoying the show fellas, thanks. What will be the length from the new back tee on #9? I have no intention to every tee off from that location. That hole will be a beast.
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It has to be 490 back there..
Mark
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Phase 2 is buttoning up. The third and final phase is well underway and on schedule for completion in mid October. Then we can sit and watch grass grow until May 2014. Phase 1 greens are already being double cut!
Here's the completion of 18
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsf1780108.jpg)
Work is wrapping up today on the 1st tee and warm up putting green. The road will be demolished and the clubhouse patio extended to cover the old road bed. The 18th green is in the background.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsa89750e5.jpg)
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Here's a great re-introduction of a Tillie feature. Probably top three along with the Hells Half Acre on 4 and redan line on 15.
It is the re-introduction of the line of play on the par 5 12 to make it a dogleg right.
Here is the hole as it was for the past 50 years.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps1b75e28e.jpg)
The restored back tee is to the right. Way to the right, requiring a cape drive across the quarry wall (and the third green of Militia Hill). The carry is from 200 yards to about 280, depending on line.
Keith Foster was out with the team yesterday to laser distances to various points in the landing area to determine the final location of this championship tee box.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsc1a52c6a.jpg)
The new tee sits at the bottom left corner of the maintenance shed in this photo. The two trees have been removed.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/cd8c11ac-d626-44c7-aabf-020d9d02304c_zps0d5eb7f0.jpg)
The restoration of this tee on 12 completes the change of the par 5's on the course, taking them from what had been somewhat of a weakness. (all 3 ran the same direction, 4&7 had very similar lines). The two that remain now are vastly improved, with 4 with a restored HHA and 12 as described above. 7 is now a long par 4.
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Powell, when you pointed out the new tee to me we both discussed that the line might actually play a little easier than the current/previous back tee. The uncertainty of the current tee given that the quarry edge/right side drop off and the fairway are both blind, this made for one of the more uncomfortable tee shots in my opinion. The new tee should be much more fun and make for a visual that offers some added variety compared to the more standard parkland look off of many of the tees. Will the new tee box be the primary one? Also, will it be used for both the white and blue tees?
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Jim, the new tee to the right will only be the back tee. And that will likely be used only part of the time, with a second back tee also in use near the location we played. The member tees will remain near the location we played. So, you and I will still have that uncomfortable shot that skirts the rim of the quarry.
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A couple of new looks below.
Hole 1 getting final touch ups before sod. Note how much more of the back and front sections of the green has been reclaimed.
(http://i40.tinypic.com/mt3udg.png)
Hole 11 Green after being sodded. Another hole where there was LOTS of putting surface recaptured at the rear of the green.
(http://i39.tinypic.com/2me1zki.png)
Finally, a look at 17 green post sod.
(http://i42.tinypic.com/so8hs3.png)
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Some action on hole 14 and 15
(http://i42.tinypic.com/293tx1c.png)
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Mark/Powell - how excited is the membership? They must be drooling by now!
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I try to avoid going to the property because its simply cruel and unusual punishment to see it, but not be able to play it.
Mark
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The last of the greens will be sodded by this Saturday, Sept 21!! A few fairway bunkers remain to be completed, and are expected to be done on schedule, so that all of the work is completed by October 15. Then we watch it grow until Memorial Day weekend 2014. It will be a long 8 months!
8 (now 5) was completed in phase 1, and all of those greens look great. They are being double cut regularly.
Here it is from the member's tee, at about 170 yards.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/Golf3251_zpscc0ad54d.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/Golf3251_zpscc0ad54d.jpg.html)
Slightly closer
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/Golf3247_zps9c26bdd1.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/Golf3247_zps9c26bdd1.jpg.html)
9 (now 6) from the member's tee. Yes, there really is room to land a drive on this 450 yard uphill par 4.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/Golf3245_zps6f9f9748.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/Golf3245_zps6f9f9748.jpg.html)
10 has shifted about 10 yards to the right, away from the parking lot and OB. Without the decades of sand buildup at the front, the green surface is largely visible from the tee of this 150 yard par 3.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/Golf3239_zps10479501.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/Golf3239_zps10479501.jpg.html)
Finishing touches on the restoration of Hell's Quarter Acre in front of 14 green. It took some substantial underground work to accomdate drainage and route it around this area. 14, 15 and 16 are the greens to be completed this week.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/IMG_3285_zpse771ba35.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/IMG_3285_zpse771ba35.jpg.html)
15, the 200 yard par 3, with the tee moved left to restore the redan. The photo shows the clearing work on the hillside right, formerly OB. This area will be cleared to the crest of the hill and planted with native fescue.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/Golf3265_zps6dfd5e31.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/Golf3265_zps6dfd5e31.jpg.html)
15 from a bit closer along the line of play, with greens mix being placed prior to sodding.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps49a95334.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/null_zps49a95334.jpg.html)
16 from the member's tee. With the left fairway bunker restored back into the fairway and moved to today's landing zone, this hole will play as much more of a dogleg left.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/IMG_3236_zps8fab1f90.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/IMG_3236_zps8fab1f90.jpg.html)
18 from the landing area for the drive on this 450+ yard finishing par 4. The green has moved about 5 yards left and been raised approximately 3 feet to move it out of the typical flooding of the Wissahickon Creek. At the top left of the photo you can see the new tee for 1 and the warmup putting green. The road behind is being demolished and the patio extended to the existing grass/driveway edge.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/Golf3302_zps6630e41c.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/Golf3302_zps6630e41c.jpg.html)
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I'm jonesing to play the 15th, the redan. The hole will probably look and play very different from its previous version. It'll be a beast because of its length but there will be more room to the right of the green and the green itself will feed the ball from right to left. Bring your low draw. Awesome.
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I'm jonesing to play the 15th, the redan. The hole will probably look and play very different from its previous version. It'll be a beast because of its length but there will be more room to the right of the green and the green itself will feed the ball from right to left. Bring your low draw. Awesome.
John,
Sorry for the cluttered photo, but here's an idea of 15 from the new back tee box, at about 240 yards. There is now a ton of room right. And work will soon be underway to firm up the approach. Low draw, high fade. Just don't get in that bunker front left. It's 9 feet deep.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps09ea7bdb.jpg)
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Here is a current view of the Hell's Quarter Acre on 14 with the matrix bunker liners installed. 15 green is in the background ready for sod
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpse2b480e9.jpg)
And straight on
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps1ce4ab08.jpg)
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A couple of new looks to post up. First is an updated look of 14 from the fairway with sand going into the bunkers.
(http://i39.tinypic.com/344f3hw.png)
Second is the new look from12 tee. Up against the far side of the quarry, they are digging a bunker into the edge to make the player a bit more nervous about making the carry.
(http://i43.tinypic.com/11lj0cm.png)
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Here are a couple more views of the new quarry wall bunker on 12. As discussed earlier in the thread, this line to the right is the original Tillinghast line that was lost over the years. It is only being restored for the championship tee. I think the quarry bunker above the 3rd green of Militia Hill does a nice job of tying the two courses together.
2012 view
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/cd8c11ac-d626-44c7-aabf-020d9d02304c_zps0d5eb7f0.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/cd8c11ac-d626-44c7-aabf-020d9d02304c_zps0d5eb7f0.jpg.html)
From MH 3 fairway, if you click the photos below, there are workers in the bunker completing the shaping which give perspective.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps377f543d.jpg) (http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps377f543d.jpg)
From MH 3 green. This is just right of the restored line.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsc1e65af2.jpg) (http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsc1e65af2.jpg)
From MH 4 tee, again just right of the restored line. This is also taken from an elevation that is similar to the elevation of the restored teebox.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps3364a19c.jpg) (http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps3364a19c.jpg)
Keith Foster reviewing the final bunker boundaries.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps034f192b.jpg) (http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps034f192b.jpg)
Time to dig, with MH 3 fairway in the background.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps5bc0a49e.jpg) (http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps5bc0a49e.jpg)
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Sept. 20, 4:57pm...last of green sod laid at Philly Cricket - awesome three months of construction restoring Tillie's home course!!! (construction commenced June 19)
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps4d45b459.jpg)
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Need a volunteer to take a chainsaw to the willow trees to the left of 18?
Lose those and it's like putting a ribbon on an awesome gift :)
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Great job by Dan Meersman and the entire team: ALL Wissahickon greens have been sodded! Given the full-scale nature of our project, achieving this within three months is a major accomplishment! We are very appreciative of the team we have in place that made it all happen.
Medalist Golf- each green requires about twenty, 23-ton truckloads of greensmix and gravel. In addition, Medalist has to excavate twenty truckloads of material from each green cavity prior to construction. Balancing the management of all of this activity around the weather, and all the other course-wide activities is quite a chore.
Tanto Irrigation- The sodding of any feature following fine-grading triggers the passing of responsibility from Medalist to PCC Staff. With irrigation needing to be installed between this transition, there is a tremendous amount of pressure applied daily to our irrigation contractor to quickly finish their work so sodding can proceed. Tanto employees have worked feverishly, in sync of the contractor, to ensure we transition smoothly from construction mode to course-conditioning mode.
East Coast Sod- Initial communications with East Coast Sod began when Dan first started at Philly Cricket, nearly five years ago. Last August, almost a year before our project began, East Coast seeded our greens at their farm in New Jersey and has nurtured them carefully ever since. Their specialized staff is the best at laying greens sod, and they have installed all our greens, tee, and approach sod.
Keith Foster- Keith spends much more time on-site than most golf course architects, and the club benefits from that in numerous ways. Regarding greens, there were many days where Keith stayed much later in the evening than originally planned to help us achieve approvals on final grading. This allowed us to sod the very next day.
PCC Staff- It is often difficult for individuals to execute cautiously, yet relentlessly, but this is exactly what our staff is doing in executing our intense greens grooming program.
In particular, Drew Barnett, our Wissahickon Superintendent has done an outstanding job. Between sand, gravel, and sod, this project is requiring over 1,000 truckloads of material; and all material invoices are being purchased through the club, not the contractor. Drew and our Administrative Assistant, Patricia Tobon, have done an outstanding job tracking everything accurately. Their skill and discipline allow Dan to forecast spending ahead of billing, and manage the project with confidence. Drew is also accomplishing this while overseeing all our employees' daily tasks, and performing tasks himself.
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Below are photos of many of the completed greensites. The perspective for each is from the fairway approximately 50 yards out. One of the big maintenance tasks in the upcoming weeks is to firm up the sodded approaches. All yardages are approximate from the restored member tees, which will still play about 6400 yards. From the new & restored championship tees, the course will play about 7200 yards. From the forward tees, it will play about 200 yards shorter - a few days were spent in the field with ladies hitting in to landing areas to get those tee locations finalized.
#1, 410 yard par 4
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps468dc10f.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/null_zps468dc10f.jpg.html)
#2, 390 yard par 4, this greensite has been pushed left about 10 yards, away from the locker room
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps481d1967.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/null_zps481d1967.jpg.html)
#3, 105 yard par 3
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps0ccb54f9.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/null_zps0ccb54f9.jpg.html)
new #5, old #8; 170 yard par 3
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/Golf3247_zps9c26bdd1.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/Golf3247_zps9c26bdd1.jpg.html)
new #6, old#9; 420 yard par 4
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsa893a1a7.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/null_zpsa893a1a7.jpg.html)
new #9, old 6; 350 yard par 4
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps56404f92.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/null_zps56404f92.jpg.html)
#10, 150 yard par 3 (this greensite has moved about 5 paces right away from the parking lot hazard)
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsaf7c1707.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/null_zpsaf7c1707.jpg.html)
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#11, 390 yard par 4
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps175dc29d.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/null_zps175dc29d.jpg.html)
#12, 500 yard par 5
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsdd98ddfb.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/null_zpsdd98ddfb.jpg.html)
#14, 380 yard par 4
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsac03d0ec.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/null_zpsac03d0ec.jpg.html)
#15, 200 yard par 3
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps6593e086.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/null_zps6593e086.jpg.html)
#16, 390 yard par 4
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps14fadf9e.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/null_zps14fadf9e.jpg.html)
#17, 410 yard par 4
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsf9b157a9.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/null_zpsf9b157a9.jpg.html)
#18, 460 yard par 4
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps16c3c854.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/null_zps16c3c854.jpg.html)
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Hell's Half Acre on #4 (old 7), 500 yard par 5
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/Golf3235_zpsf662b123.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/Golf3235_zpsf662b123.jpg.html)
Hell's Quarter Acre on 14, 380 yard par 4
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpse771f882.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/null_zpse771f882.jpg.html)
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Powell-Everything looks fantastic . 18 is such a great finisher. :)
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The golf course looks much improved!
love the new tee on #12, and the tree removal was long overdue.
The restored bunkers on #4, 14, & 16 are awesome.
I am having a hard time with the new look to the bunkers, grass faces as opposed to the sand flashing.
It is a very different look, but i am sure it will be much easier to maintain.
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wow
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An updated look at hole 16 from the tee. No more aiming up the left side and swinging for the fences!
(http://i44.tinypic.com/2zohdmq.jpg)
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Another view of 15 from the right of the member's tees with the hillside waiting for fescue. (The two sets of forward tees are in the foreground)
The hillside is now a great feature framing 12-17.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps672f00e7.jpg)
Whoa, when you pull into the parking lot and see this truck, you know it is serious!
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsaa384c47.jpg)
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Was that truck there for the willow trees, please say yes.
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Was that truck there for the willow trees, please say yes.
A substantial pruning, among other tasks.
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The final pieces of work are wrapping up, with final shaping if fairway bunkers complete and the rough sodded. The sodding of the rough was not in the original scope. It was added at the end to take advantage of cost savings we achieved in the base project. This sodding avoids the competition of poa in the rough with the seeding, which had been the base plan.
The course looks great. Now we just watch grass grow until late May of 2014.
Here's a look at the Great Hazard on 7 this morning.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps7f2e24ba.jpg)
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A slightly different look at 15, with the high bluff that had been OB now exposed. It is being sodded with fescue today.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps7533ac68.jpg)
Top down approach
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps2aea5ed3.jpg)
Great backdrop for holes 12-17 (14 green in the foreground)
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps359384c3.jpg)
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You guys are so lucky!
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Thank you, Mr. Arms. I've really enjoyed watching the progress.
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It has only taken 7+ years to get lucky, Dan!
Nick, glad you're enjoying following along. It has been an awesome 3 months of sitework.
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Below is a link to a YouTube video that is a hole-by-hole montage of pre & post restoration photos of Wissahickon.
Wow!!! Grand re-opening slated for May 23, 2014
http://youtu.be/5-LVDNVrMKs (http://youtu.be/5-LVDNVrMKs)
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And for those in Philly, "Inside Golf" on Comcast SportNet has a full 30 minute episode on the Wissahickon restoration to air Sunday, 10/20 at 7pm, repeating Mon @ 4:30pm, & Wed @ 11am.
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Tremendous work by your club on this project. The area is richer because of what you folks have done, I hope I can rally the support you folks did for our renovations.
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The entire 30 minute episode of "Inside Golf" is now available on YouTube:
http://youtu.be/aMzr8-Yo8Ks (http://youtu.be/aMzr8-Yo8Ks)
Ed, please do not hesitate to give me a call anytime to discuss our learnings in greater detail. It took a lot of effort from a lot of people to build a solid concensus. That includes a lot if patience from Keith Foster to wait 5+ years from master plan to construction.
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Powell,
Congratulations on the completion of work. Everything looks incredible!
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The links below allow you to get a more detailed look at the before and after photos at your own pace, as opposed to being embedded in the youtube video referenced in post 212 above.
http://philacricketgm.blogspot.com/2013/10/before-and-after-powerpoint.html (http://philacricketgm.blogspot.com/2013/10/before-and-after-powerpoint.html)
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Tremendous work by your club on this project. The area is richer because of what you folks have done, I hope I can rally the support you folks did for our renovations.
Ed, the postscript to Brad Klein's Wide Open Fairways, entitled "A Restorationist Manifesto", is pretty close to the process we faced, with static inertia and resistance and then momentum. The process was given a huge boost by demonstrating the health that would be achieved with tree removal and then adherence to a master plan developed by a credible third party (Keith Foster, in our case). The master plan allowed for pricing and direction. It also allowed us the time to ask why features were removed over time, recognizing that not every change over time was necessarily the stereotypical bad decision by a prior greens committee.
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On Saturday morning, the club hosted a grand tour at Wissahickon that brought out a large group of members to view the changes and hear the thoughts of Jim Smith and Dan Meersman. It was a great event that I believe added even more excitement on top of what is there already. ;D
(http://i39.tinypic.com/10q07pl.jpg)
(http://i39.tinypic.com/2yy4j5t.jpg)
(http://i42.tinypic.com/smr7l0.jpg)
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It will be interesting to see how it plays; it looks fabulous and I bet as it matures it will become even more appealing.
When will it be resloped and course rated? I'm going to guess from the back it is going to slope in the low to mid 140's and the course rating is going to be well over its par. In it's pre restoration iteration it was a solid test, it will be substantially tougher now, especailly on the front nine.
The project was obviously well thought out and Mr. Fosters execution of the plan looks first rate.
I played another Foster restoration, Eastward Ho, 5 weeks ago. If Wissahickon comes out anything like that, the membership is indeed lucky.
Powell, thanks again for your extended tour of the work. You did a superb job of keeping us posted.
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It will be interesting to see how it plays; it looks fabulous and I bet as it matures it will become even more appealing.
When will it be resloped and course rated? I'm going to guess from the back it is going to slope in the low to mid 140's and the course rating is going to be well over its par. In it's pre restoration iteration it was a solid test, it will be substantially tougher now, especailly on the front nine.
The project was obviously well thought out and Mr. Fosters execution of the plan looks first rate.
I played another Foster restoration, Eastward Ho, 5 weeks ago. If Wissahickon comes out anything like that, the membership is indeed lucky.
Powell, thanks again for your extended tour of the work. You did a superb job of keeping us posted.
The 2014 GAP Rating schedule has not as yet been released, but I'm fairly certain that PCC Wissahickon will be rated next Spring.
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Charlie, without speaking to rating, I think the course will play 3-4 shots harder for three reasons.
First, hazards off of the tee are now in a position to catch a good drive that is offline. Before, a well struck drive cleared most first shot hazards. So now, you duff a drive, you can recover, but with a longer second. Which brings us to the second reason.
The greenside bunkering is deeper and the entire green complexes now function as units, as they did originally. So a miss on an approach is probably a stroke. Greens are 20-30 percent larger, and that brings us to reason three (or maybe reason 2.5).
A missed approach could still be a green in regulation, but just hopelessly out of position so that a two putt is a challenge.
These three reasons have nothing to do with the length of the holes. From the restored championship tees, the course will measure approx 7,200 yards, par 70. Good luck back there.
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Powell, I think the lack of collars on the greens will have an impact on scoring as well. There are going to be hole locations that can be cupped thanks to the fact that the green goes right up to the rough. From the fairway, some of the tucked pins are going to appear absurd, but will be completely playable when the player reaches the green and sees where the pin is located.
In addition, the lack of collars on the fairways will have a huge impact if the course plays firm and fast. There are a lot of holes with sloped landing areas, and it will be very easy for golf balls to nestle up against the primary cut creating some headaches on approach shots.
Mark
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Hey Powell-
In the ppt. link, #7 approach (after) appears to have church pew like bunkering. Is that true or am I just seeing things? Also, is it original or just a nice new feature?
Link here:
http://philacricketgm.blogspot.com/2013/10/before-and-after-powerpoint.html
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Hey Powell-
In the ppt. link, #7 approach (after) appears to have church pew like bunkering. Is that true or am I just seeing things? Also, is it original or just a nice new feature?
Link here:
http://philacricketgm.blogspot.com/2013/10/before-and-after-powerpoint.html
John,
Good eye. There are church pew bunkers that have been restored to the bunker fw right. That bunker runs from about 110 yards out to 40 yards out from the center of the green.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/slide-36-638_zps81228189.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/slide-36-638_zps81228189.jpg.html)
The feature was not there in 1930, but was in 1938.
1930
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zpsb2364c5f.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/null_zpsb2364c5f.jpg.html)
1938
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps0fe2b15b.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/null_zps0fe2b15b.jpg.html)
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/pcc14-692x432_zpsae57d66f.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/pcc14-692x432_zpsae57d66f.jpg.html)
it is interesting to see that a lot of bunker detailing was added in that period of 1930-38.
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Those frilly bunkers are certainly cool and different! They look very Tilly. ;D
Mark
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why does old number 5 have 3 bunkers on the right side when the aerial shots only show 2? Is this due to advancement in technology?
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Matt,
You're correct. In general, adjustments were made to account for technology and today's distances. Rather than recreate a bunker at exactly the location it existed in 1938, bunkers were rebuilt, reintriduced, etc to restore the intent of the 1938 bunkering. That is to say, if a bunker threatened a drive in 1938, it is now rebuilt to threaten a 2013 drive (let's say 200 yards for member goes to 250)
For old 5, this design approach resulted in a third bunker being added to keep the bunkers in play for bombers, and adds a lot of strategy to the tee shot. It may not be evident in the photos, but the lip height of the bunkers increases as they get further from the tee, and the fairway slopes dramatically right to left. If you cannot play a tee shot right to left off of the tee, your ball will feed down to those bunkers. We have the ability to mow the collars and allow the fairway to feed into the bunkers if desired.
A shorter hitter (or iron off of the tee for a longer player) that misses would find themselves with a relatively easy recovery from a shallow bunker with a modest lip, about 210 off of the tee and 160 yards from the green. The middle bunker has a slightly higher lip and the third has the highest, so if you're going to rip driver, then don't miss. You will be left with a 100 yard approach to an elevated green that has to contend with a deeper bunker and high lip.
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It will be interesting to see how it plays; it looks fabulous and I bet as it matures it will become even more appealing.
When will it be resloped and course rated? I'm going to guess from the back it is going to slope in the low to mid 140's and the course rating is going to be well over its par. In it's pre restoration iteration it was a solid test, it will be substantially tougher now, especailly on the front nine.
The project was obviously well thought out and Mr. Fosters execution of the plan looks first rate.
I played another Foster restoration, Eastward Ho, 5 weeks ago. If Wissahickon comes out anything like that, the membership is indeed lucky.
Powell, thanks again for your extended tour of the work. You did a superb job of keeping us posted.
The 2014 GAP Rating schedule has not as yet been released, but I'm fairly certain that PCC Wissahickon will be rated next Spring.
Update: We did the course rating today. What a great job, the pictures do not do it justice. It will be interesting to see the members reaction to no fringes around the greens and no first cut of rough off the fairways.
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Update: We did the course rating today. What a great job, the pictures do not do it justice. It will be interesting to see the members reaction to no fringes around the greens and no first cut of rough off the fairways.
Bob, we had heard a rumor that the course rating would be done today. I have already made my completely unscientific prediction for slope and rating from the members' tee. Safely sealed in an envelope (and on twitter)
I think the reaction to the lack of collars is growing on people. One of the interesting things to note during the membership walk through last week was the substantial increase in the number of hole locations created by not having collars.
Glad to hear you enjoyed the walk!
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Powell....My guess is 73.8/147 from the tips.
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Near and dear to my heart... but this is still my favorite "before and after" slideshow...
http://www.carolinagolfclub.org/Final-Comp-Pics-for-Spence.aspx
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There is loosing all around Philly today with 2-4 inches of rain last night, and more still falling.
But the new 18th green at Wissahickon is high and dry! The green was raised about 24 inches. That coupled with the fairway surface and subsurface drainage improvements solved the problem.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/5405CC0F-5C59-443E-AB19-21200C87A6C2_zpsnhftyojf.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/5405CC0F-5C59-443E-AB19-21200C87A6C2_zpsnhftyojf.jpg.html)
A big difference from the type of flooding that occurred in prior, similar rainfalls.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/null_zps9ea4a9f9.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/null_zps9ea4a9f9.jpg.html)
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Great photos!
Drainage is probably the most important facet of Golf Course Architecture that non-architects don't "get".
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Drainage is probably the most important facet of Golf Course Architecture that non-architects don't "get".
Until their drives are plugging in the fairway! I am anxious to see how the new bunkers throughout Wissahickon handle this rain. This storm would have been deviating to the old bunkers, which all dated from 1920's and had no drainage.
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Powell,
Somewhere there is a picture of the entire green covered in water and all you can see is the flag.....do you know where that is?
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Powell,
Somewhere there is a picture of the entire green covered in water and all you can see is the flag.....do you know where that is?
These are from two 1,000 year storms, 13 days apart in 2011
Here's Hurricane Irene, Aug 28, 2011
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/PCCWiss18Irene082811_zpsae43eb57.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/PCCWiss18Irene082811_zpsae43eb57.jpg.html)
And here's two weeks later, Sept 8, 2011. I dont think this storm was named.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/PCC18th090811_zpsc54ccd1b.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/PCC18th090811_zpsc54ccd1b.jpg.html)
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/100_11271_zps02e5280d.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/100_11271_zps02e5280d.jpg.html)
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18, no willow free!!!
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/DDF9F927-D1E2-4BBC-A2D7-067E23358421_zpspuf9v5l5.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/DDF9F927-D1E2-4BBC-A2D7-067E23358421_zpspuf9v5l5.jpg.html)
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18, now willow free!!!
:)
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http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/Golf3302_zps6630e41c.jpg.html
Curious as to why you are keeping the large tree to the left of the cart path on green side of creek #18.
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18, now willow free!!!
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/DDF9F927-D1E2-4BBC-A2D7-067E23358421_zpspuf9v5l5.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/DDF9F927-D1E2-4BBC-A2D7-067E23358421_zpspuf9v5l5.jpg.html)
Major improvement!
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http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/Golf3302_zps6630e41c.jpg.html
Curious as to why you are keeping the large tree to the left of the cart path on green side of creek #18.
In general, we kept specimen trees throughout the course, whether interior to the property or on the perimeter, when they did not interfere with reasonable lines of play, turf health, etc. There are a couple of exceptions to this rule. For example, a tree that stayed is the tree that sits green front right on 6 stayed to further enhance the dogleg right on a short par 4. An example of a tree that was removed is the one that sat between 4 & 7 fairways about 150 yards off of the tee box. That was removed so that when standing on new 4 tee (old 7) the player had an unobstructed view of the great hazard on new 7 (old 4), and that hazard was in your head for new 4,5,6 (old 7,8,9).
This tree sits about 40 yards front right of 18 green. 18 green was moved a couple of yards left (as part of the floodwater avoidance) and the tree was pruned considerably, so the current thinking is that it will be out of play in most cases. I am sure that we will continue to monitor that tree and others to be sure that the reality of play matches up with the current thinking. That same thinking holds true for keeping the two trees at at top of the hoill, fairway right about 135 yards from the green (one is seen in the photo immediately above.)
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"..Curious as to why you are keeping the large tree to the left of the cart path on green side of creek #18...."
Dan, you will always be part of "we" at PCC. Gibber
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Powell,
Thanks for the response, which makes perfect sense with the tree being trimmed and the green site moved.
It is easy to take out a large specimen tree, but you can not put it back once it is gone.
The only tree i miss is the one which was growing through the middle of the clubhouse.
The golf course really looks awesome!
I have always thought that the best course in Philly was hiding under all those trees.
Gibber,
Thx for the kind words, i really miss those afternoons playing golf with you and the boys at PCC.
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Although the Consturction ended in October, work continues in the restoration. The Grounds and teaching teams are putting together some quick videos on how to play restored features, such as grass bunker faces , ball against green edge without collar, and this one on escaping the Great Hazard.
The video gives a nice perspective on the scale of the hazard.
http://youtu.be/znvtj2No5L0
I think these videos will be a nice way to keep up excitement over the winter months.
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A discussion of Philly Cricket's restoration bookends a discussion of Restoration, Renovation, Remodel on Thursday's Morning Drive Architect's Week
Some pretty insightful comments from Matt, Gary and Charlie. Nothing new for this group but certainly beyond what most golfers/viewers consider.
http://www.golfchannel.com/media/timelapse-restoration-pennsylvanias-historic-cricket-club/ (http://www.golfchannel.com/media/timelapse-restoration-pennsylvanias-historic-cricket-club/)
Nice iphone cover!
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/971951AB-BC2E-4E5E-9885-CA43E3D1EE4E_zpstvanurt3.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/971951AB-BC2E-4E5E-9885-CA43E3D1EE4E_zpstvanurt3.jpg.html)
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The PGA of America is coming to Philly Cricket! The 48th PGA Professional National Championship will be held on the Wissahickon and Militia Hill courses on June 21-24, 2015.
More info here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4_kP8q44wQbVWpvQk55UjRlcXc/edit?usp=sharing
(https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4_kP8q44wQbVWpvQk55UjRlcXc/edit?usp=sharing)
There is a chance that the snow will have melted by summer 2015!
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/3537BA3B-81A1-4524-8CA7-FA6079556156_zpsnadv51ih.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/3537BA3B-81A1-4524-8CA7-FA6079556156_zpsnadv51ih.jpg.html)
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Cool tournament. Hershey CC hosted it in 2011. We had three rounds on the newer and more difficult East Course and one round on the older West Course. Do you know how the split will be for Cricket? The quality of the field was very good. 11-under won in a three man playoff and T-20 broke par.
The PGA of America is coming to Philly Cricket! The 48th PGA Professional National Championship will be held on the Wissahickon and Militia Hill courses on June 21-24, 2015.
More info here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4_kP8q44wQbVWpvQk55UjRlcXc/edit?usp=sharing
(https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4_kP8q44wQbVWpvQk55UjRlcXc/edit?usp=sharing)
There is a chance that the snow will have melted by summer 2015!
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/3537BA3B-81A1-4524-8CA7-FA6079556156_zpsnadv51ih.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/3537BA3B-81A1-4524-8CA7-FA6079556156_zpsnadv51ih.jpg.html)
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Wow, congrats to Philly Cricket; with the event coming to the Dunes Golf & Beach Club this June, it'll be a two-years-running stretch where both a classic and a modern course will be used. I like that idea; should make for an even rounder test for the PGA pros.
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Jim, I am not sure yet of the mix of rounds between Militia Hill and Wissahickon.
Tim, that contrast is really cool, especially for two years in a row.
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While I've heard that it snowed, or at least threatened too, yesterday in the Phila. area, was hoping there might be some new pix... reviews... updates... etc. of the renovations of Wissahickon Course?
Just curious.
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When they play the 2015 PGA Pro National Championship each player will play 18 at each course and then they cut the field to top 70 and ties amd they will play the last 36 at the Wissahickon course. Top 20 and ties goto the PGA Championship. Hope that helps.
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Wayne, the course handled the winter well, and is starting it's sorting growth nicely. It is still closed to members. The grand opening is May 23, and we are all hopeful that we will be able to walk the course in the weeks prior to the opening. So, it's at least a few weeks before new photos will be posted.
I can't wait to get out on that grass and see it again!
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Wissahickon opens in just over 3 weeks, on May 23. Greens are being double cut and rolled, and approaches continue to be top dressed to firm them up.
More on course photos to come soon.
The Golf Assoc of Philadelphia did a nice articcle on the restoration in their spring 2014 issue. It can be found here, including a couple of new photos.
http://www.gapgolfmag-digital.org/gapgolf/2014_spring#pg18 (http://www.gapgolfmag-digital.org/gapgolf/2014_spring#pg18)
The article highlights an interesting pre-restoration question, that was posed by a member to the Club's Director of Golf Jim Smith, Jr. If no one walks off of the course not liking it, why run the risk and expense of a restoration? The results answer the question, but it is a great one that must be readily answered for those advancing tree removal or restoration programs. In Crickets case, it was greens and bunkers, both ca. 1922. That meant bunkers with no drainage, and excessive manpower to maintain. Plus an irrigation system that needed to be replaced. Basically, a lot of deferred maintenance, and money and hours spent on those band-aids instead of more productive things.
The clubhouse patio has been doubled in size, to consume the driveway that had existed behind 1tee & 18green. Pretty good for those of us that are +2 drinkers and hecklers.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/8CBB0949-8AB0-49CA-9465-615A5AD58643_zpsyux1yanz.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/8CBB0949-8AB0-49CA-9465-615A5AD58643_zpsyux1yanz.jpg.html)
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/7A01A3E5-BF2B-43FC-B855-F7888F315387_zpskbxgscjz.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/7A01A3E5-BF2B-43FC-B855-F7888F315387_zpskbxgscjz.jpg.html)
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Powell, please note the quarry location in the background of the second photo. :'(
Q.
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Please note the spruce/evergreen/pine abominations in the first photo. Were they put there to block a view of a roadway? I'd rather look at a road! :D
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Ive never thought anything of how bad they look until you brought it up Terry. I'm surprised they're still there.
Mark
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UMMM there is a drinking and heckling club there? I may have to join that place. My golf game stinks but my drinking is first rate.
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I'm not surprised that the drinking and heckling at Cricket inspired Tilly to Write Cobble Valley Golf Yarns & The Mutt 90 years ago. Some of the stuff he talks about in the books still goes on today.
For those unaware, Tilly's books are funny short stories on country club life.
Mark
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It is 1 week until the Wissahickon course reopens after a restoration that started in June, 2014.
There are some current photos below, along with some interesting details about course setup and accessories to achieve the simple, understated presentation that the club desires.
As you can see on 16, there will be no dew paths mowed to avoid a cluttered look. The rough will be kept as low as practical (2.5 - 3 inches).
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/Wiss160514_zps66ad0f3c.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/Wiss160514_zps66ad0f3c.jpg.html)
New natural benches have been built in house
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/2014-05-02180216_zps5a5e58a2.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/2014-05-02180216_zps5a5e58a2.jpg.html)
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/2014-05-02180228_zps7c380a8a.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/2014-05-02180228_zps7c380a8a.jpg.html)
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/Wissbenches0514_zps6dad9238.png) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/Wissbenches0514_zps6dad9238.png.html)
The photo above is looking down new 9 / old 6. Internal OB has been removed from the right of new 6, and the right of 11. With the railroad trestle maintained as thick native area, the effect is likely the same.
Here's another view of new 6, looking directly down the hole. Right is in bounds but still no good
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/Wiss60514_zps36028d8d.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/Wiss60514_zps36028d8d.jpg.html)
And this bunker left on new 6 is no slouch
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/Wiss6bunker_zpsb1cf2b0a.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/Wiss6bunker_zpsb1cf2b0a.jpg.html)
Great hazard on new 7 maturing nicely
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/6b33a115-b6a2-4720-bb05-c2511268b69a_zpsbae768fb.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/6b33a115-b6a2-4720-bb05-c2511268b69a_zpsbae768fb.jpg.html)
Approach to new 4 / old 7, with wooden rakes and some severe bunkering from 100 yards and in on what is now a 487 yard par 4 from the members' tee.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/Wiss70514_zps19aaf437.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/Wiss70514_zps19aaf437.jpg.html)
A new walking bridge has been built from new 9 / old 6 to 10 tee.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/Wissbridge0514_zps3245c2a4.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/Wissbridge0514_zps3245c2a4.jpg.html)
As has been discussed before, the greens will have no collars. In addition to the clean look, it increases the green area by 20% per green, on average, and allows for substantially more hole locations. The expanded patio can been seen behind the collarless 18th green in the photo below
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/Wiss180514_zps8ed3a0e7.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/Wiss180514_zps8ed3a0e7.jpg.html)
Flagsticks have been changed to wood, with the flags changed to fabric
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/Wissflag0514copy_zps5b2c2cb2.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/Wissflag0514copy_zps5b2c2cb2.jpg.html)
I think the next 7 days may be the longest !
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The benches, flagsticks and flags are a nice touch.
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The benches, flagsticks and flags are a nice touch.
Contain your excitement, I added some rake photos
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Powell,
Great stuff. Very exciting for the whole area.
One question though; how could removing aprons add 20% to the total green space?
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Time for a Philly trip this summer!
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See below
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...
One question though; how could removing aprons add 20% to the total green space?
Wow, extra credit for reading the details!
Jim, I guess it is more like "effectively 20 %", and specifically looking at pinable area. Here is the rationale:
As an example the new 5 / old 8 restored green is 113 paces in diameter. At 3 feet of collar, that is about 1,000 sf and our greens average 6,000 sf. When you need to be a couple of paces from the edge of collar to place a cup, and end up losing what would be neat hole locations because they are now too close to the edge of green (collar).
I don't have a photo, but you probably are familiar with the 17th green and how it has two wings that extend outboard of the bunkers that front the green right and left. Without the collar , those wings are now pinable , and create a great look with flags that appear as if they are not on the green.
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I think I've talked with Philly Cricket members every time I played at French Creek since the Wissahickon course closed last year (we're been very happy to have them).
Each and every member I've talked with is tremendously excited and thrilled about the restoration efforts.
Congratulations!
PS - I remember the first time I played FC after walking it many times during construction. I think it rained the opening day, but I couldn't have cared less because I was downright giddy!
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Powell,
Thanks for posting and well done. The course looks great and I love the attention to all the small details - the love that the membership has for the course is clear.
I was lucky to spend some time with a couple of the Philadelphia guys at the Phosphate Feathery – a great group who are passionate about their golf and their club.
Congratulations and best of luck.
Chris.
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I also love the little touches such as the wooden flagsticks, new flags and even the wodden rakes. Beyond that, the restoration work looks spectacular, particularly the bunkering. Congratulations to your club and the members for their dedication to completing the work.
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Thanks for posting this entire thread. The course looks great and I'm sure it's a bit difficult to contain your excitement with opening day so close.
With this renovation, seeing the pictures of the St. Martins course and the Militia Hill course, the membership is extremely lucky to have 3 outstanding and varied courses available to play.
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Josh - you can even play cricket out there!
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Powell &Mark - Congratulations. What great looking work. The best part of it is that you loved it before and now . . . you are going to have a great summer!
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I think I've talked with Philly Cricket members every time I played at French Creek since the Wissahickon course closed last year (we're been very happy to have them).
Each and every member I've talked with is tremendously excited and thrilled about the restoration efforts.
Congratulations!
PS - I remember the first time I played FC after walking it many times during construction. I think it rained the opening day, but I couldn't have cared less because I was downright giddy!
And we were thrilled to be hosted by French Creek and 64 other courses, from Lancaster to the Lehigh Valley to S Jersey to Delaware, while Wissahickon was closed. As great as that has been, it will be even better to be home.
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I heard a rumor that the course will now be walking only? True? If so, how's that going over?
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I heard a rumor that the course will now be walking only? True? If so, how's that going over?
That is correct. It will be walking only with the exception of those with a doctor's note. That is in effect for this season; a determination has not been made for next year.
Recognizing that the course hasnt opened, there has not been too much negative reaction. Most people walked with caddies in the past, so it doesnt affect too many people, but I am sure that small group has a strong reaction. I do believe that everyone realizes the cart prohibition will allow further, helathy grow in and minimize damage during this first season, so it will be tolerated.
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Smart move. Even in a club that has a walking culture, carts really leave their mark. It'll be pristine. At least for a year!
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Makes good sense. Looking forward to playing it. Quite amazing you could pull this off in these times. Congratulations.
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How often was Keith Foster on site? I take it that the experience of working with him was a very positive one. If this is an indication of the quality of his work, then he will find himself in demand quite often.
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How often was Keith Foster on site? I take it that the experience of working with him was a very positive one. If this is an indication of the quality of his work, then he will find himself in demand quite often.
Keith Foster was on site at least two days a week during construction, which lasted from June through October, 2014. He started his work on the master plan ca. 2008, so he was very patient waiting for this job. He has been on site this spring as well, and part of those visits included interaction with the building architect designing the patio expansion, so the transition from patio to golf course worked well. His attention to the small details is awesome, and our maintenance team shares that passion to get the little things right. The collaborative interaction between Keith and our maintenance team was key.
Thinking through the small things. Cobble paths for the limited cart traffic to exit 18 past the patio, with the cobbles acting as speed calming, desirable due to the proximity to the patio.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/2014-05-16164853_zps8f062b95.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/2014-05-16164853_zps8f062b95.jpg.html)
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/Wisspathway_zps886bfb2b.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/Wisspathway_zps886bfb2b.jpg.html)
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Powell,
I want to thank you again for your continuous dissemination of the unfolding of this reconstruction tale. I have not looked at photos for about 6 months purposely as I wanted to see it after grow in and some settling. The recent set of photos filled me with anticipation. It looks very good, and a friend tells me that Foster did an amazing job working in collaboration with the club and the construction crew to get things redone properly. I believe at some point in the next several months I will have an opportunity to play, and I am looking forward to that event very much.
Thank you again for your journalism. GCA is blessed with writer/photographers who present professional quality work, and it seems several of them reside in the Philadelphia area.
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Powell,
Great thread, thank you!
How is 2.5 to 3 inches of rough as low as practical? Can't it be cut lower?
Thanks again
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The rough could be cut lower, but not long term.
Our rough was sodded with turf-type tall fescue and bluegrass. Those varieties prefer being cut in the 2.5 / 3 range for optimal health. They can survive lower, but frequent lower cuts on this turf have a tendency to thin / scalp more easily; especially in a rough setting where the terrain is a bit more rugged and not as smooth as a putting green.
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Balls in the air Friday, May 23 at 7:30am.
#1 appears to be rolling pretty true this morning
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/3906E57D-9F12-4E1F-B505-2DC2DE0B4948_zpsz20iza2a.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/3906E57D-9F12-4E1F-B505-2DC2DE0B4948_zpsz20iza2a.jpg.html)
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The expanded patio is complete for Thursday's opening ceremony, with member play starting 7:30am on Friday. This afternoon, the patio was christened by the grounds team.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/CE668150-D386-40DA-B2A0-25B04545CB6B_zpsvx0mwylq.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/CE668150-D386-40DA-B2A0-25B04545CB6B_zpsvx0mwylq.jpg.html)
Thanks to them for a wonderful effort to plan for the restoration, and execute it flawlessly, performing much of the work in house - including bunker lining, sodding, carpentry of the on-course benches and water coolers, and construction of the expanded patio. All of this in addition to the daily chores of maintaining the other 27 holes, as well as managing and maintaining the grow in at Wissahickon. Thank you!
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Powell,
Has your superintendent made any decisions about how quickly he will get the green speeds up to their usual daily rate, so to speak? I only ask because I was a member at Olympia Fields and we redid the greens for the US Open and our guy kept the greens at 8 the entire first season, which I have always thought was way too cautious. Here's hoping that they are putting at 10 on the Stimp in short order...
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When we did the course rating last November, the greens were already stimping at 11.
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Terry, like many courses, we do not have a daily number.
That said, they will be up to normal speed from day 1, and have been for a while as Bob found during the course rating.
The Grounds team does not to ease the greens into speed, because they are 2 years old already. I'm not sure how it was done at OF. All of the greens at Wissahickon were sodded, and that sod was planted in 2012, and harvested and laid in the summer of 2013. The greens handled the winter well, as did the entire course. So they were back up to speed when spring finally arrived in Philly. The greens were even aerated very lightly and shallowly about 3 weeks ago. The club had 3 + years of detailed planning before consturction started, and that allowed the actual construction process to go very smoothly in a compressed period of mid-June through mid-October.
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Bob how did you get that assignment?
May I ask how many guys you have on your grounds crew? I think you have more crew than we have members. Looks tremendous, good luck with your opening. Hoping the trend continues throughout the Philly area.
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Ed, you should see the grounds crew's GAP team!
With 36 holes and Flourtown and the entire St Martins campus to maintain, it does turn out to be a big gathering and a ton of food when they all get together.
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Can't wait to see pics from Friday
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Play away...
http://instagram.com/p/oUaHzuQatU/ (http://instagram.com/p/oUaHzuQatU/)
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Wissahickon today exceeded all expectations on the first day of play. Smiles all around. Of note was that the entire course felt mature. It was not fast and firm due to a deluge last evening, but did drain well and firmed up throughout the day. Continuing reports from the scene throughout the weekend.
Lots of photos to come of specifics. In general, the overall feel was that of maturity. It is a significantly improved version of the course we left in June 2013, and it is hard to fathom the amount of work completed in the window between June and today.
Below is a photo of the first foursome on 18, and the team that lead us to and through the restoration.
Spectacular
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/66962D7A-11F0-4D1B-B65B-347156A5B8B6_zpsbqf3aprs.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/66962D7A-11F0-4D1B-B65B-347156A5B8B6_zpsbqf3aprs.jpg.html)
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1 approach 395 yard par 4
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/21991F70-68F8-48A4-B96C-20E798C13E03_zpsyzvfr7m0.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/21991F70-68F8-48A4-B96C-20E798C13E03_zpsyzvfr7m0.jpg.html)
1 green - the greens are huge, but dont be on the wrong tier
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/28C1B1BF-D21E-4146-BF2D-11F3272D83E5_zps4qob5e0d.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/28C1B1BF-D21E-4146-BF2D-11F3272D83E5_zps4qob5e0d.jpg.html)
Back left pin on 3 - middle of the green is good
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/1C31332A-3FEF-4B03-9368-A6E5786A2CC8_zpsivefp6d4.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/1C31332A-3FEF-4B03-9368-A6E5786A2CC8_zpsivefp6d4.jpg.html)
Approach on 4 - 487 yard par 4
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/524400EE-B821-4D2D-A95D-70AD3529955B_zps8yvmfjgj.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/524400EE-B821-4D2D-A95D-70AD3529955B_zps8yvmfjgj.jpg.html)
4 about 90 yards out - miss is right
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/4556DA0D-DB2E-4B32-A864-4A655204229A_zps0szfwmvb.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/4556DA0D-DB2E-4B32-A864-4A655204229A_zps0szfwmvb.jpg.html)
4 close up of greenside left bunker
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/A9D353F9-DDB3-4553-886D-DD7447623C22_zpszygdkmci.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/A9D353F9-DDB3-4553-886D-DD7447623C22_zpszygdkmci.jpg.html)
6 from fairway, looking over 4 (475 yard par 4)
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/74B7FE14-7D19-49C1-90BD-745C8243BD36_zpsugcvyxgv.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/74B7FE14-7D19-49C1-90BD-745C8243BD36_zpsugcvyxgv.jpg.html)
looking back down 6 from green, again proper tier is critical. Note the large ditch that had been right of 6/9 has been filled
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/9B447433-43FD-4D2F-9A76-31AEACD4C185_zpsgcvh1ym0.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/9B447433-43FD-4D2F-9A76-31AEACD4C185_zpsgcvh1ym0.jpg.html)
6 green
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/B5AD01BB-EAF9-4BB1-AF46-734FD5BCD247_zpsbuzbbd2h.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/B5AD01BB-EAF9-4BB1-AF46-734FD5BCD247_zpsbuzbbd2h.jpg.html)
8 from right of tee, 347 yard par 4
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/2832555B-523F-4606-8BF5-EC3394DB0386_zpsoljz5ast.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/2832555B-523F-4606-8BF5-EC3394DB0386_zpsoljz5ast.jpg.html)
Nice detail on the wooden flagsticks
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/E61A21C9-FAAD-4860-81AD-23F89F5AD523_zpslwfshhoj.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/E61A21C9-FAAD-4860-81AD-23F89F5AD523_zpslwfshhoj.jpg.html)
9 from tee, 350 yard par 4 with seemingly no where to hit the tee shot
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/27DBF84D-0340-4A48-A1D2-42B8E581B547_zpsx8hkiw6b.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/27DBF84D-0340-4A48-A1D2-42B8E581B547_zpsx8hkiw6b.jpg.html)
9 approach from about 120 yards, still not sure where to hit it
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/47693117-418B-46E4-B2CB-4B1F96EBC737_zps1giztwkf.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/47693117-418B-46E4-B2CB-4B1F96EBC737_zps1giztwkf.jpg.html)
10, 147 yard par 3
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/C803C223-C687-4395-8139-C84DCDA47DE8_zpszog3sjfr.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/C803C223-C687-4395-8139-C84DCDA47DE8_zpszog3sjfr.jpg.html)
11 386/4, from 175 yards left of fairway
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/EE58CE4E-0957-445F-801E-BCA9404B2578_zpsvg7gelkk.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/EE58CE4E-0957-445F-801E-BCA9404B2578_zpsvg7gelkk.jpg.html)
11 green, looking back down 11 & 2
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/B8960650-E9DE-4BAA-99A9-6838791402D7_zpso9f3nyqx.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/B8960650-E9DE-4BAA-99A9-6838791402D7_zpso9f3nyqx.jpg.html)
12 538/5 from landing area
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/6CDD215D-E96A-4F73-9185-872AA652A72C_zpsepoerdvw.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/6CDD215D-E96A-4F73-9185-872AA652A72C_zpsepoerdvw.jpg.html)
12 approach from 140 yards
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/21AF9C12-C656-4B11-B4A9-4778E33098C8_zpsfa4otkuo.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/21AF9C12-C656-4B11-B4A9-4778E33098C8_zpsfa4otkuo.jpg.html)
new on-course reading room
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/376BFC85-E841-4F0A-B860-452260C6C48C_zpsponevyyy.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/376BFC85-E841-4F0A-B860-452260C6C48C_zpsponevyyy.jpg.html)
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/86D4501F-1AFC-4A29-AC41-E1B4BD3DD229_zpstqa1i1uo.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/86D4501F-1AFC-4A29-AC41-E1B4BD3DD229_zpstqa1i1uo.jpg.html)
13 409/4 from 170 yards right of fairway: the openig to the green is larger that it had been
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/1CB4BD6D-8766-476B-9CC7-20BB1B10641C_zps5snaedn6.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/1CB4BD6D-8766-476B-9CC7-20BB1B10641C_zps5snaedn6.jpg.html)
14 411/4 approach from 180, the tees were moved back slightly so it is no longer easy to drive it down the hill to leave an approach of 60 yds
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/14779ECB-62E5-4BAE-8842-EAE6EFC6BAF2_zpssnr5ldjf.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/14779ECB-62E5-4BAE-8842-EAE6EFC6BAF2_zpssnr5ldjf.jpg.html)
15 217/3 dont miss left, a new phrase now that OB right has been removed
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/EABE2A9A-7943-499E-ACA3-B686679DF2B4_zpsort26dtx.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/EABE2A9A-7943-499E-ACA3-B686679DF2B4_zpsort26dtx.jpg.html)
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/82BC4A1E-842C-4708-94CE-D17788A83C33_zpsbrq5blip.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/82BC4A1E-842C-4708-94CE-D17788A83C33_zpsbrq5blip.jpg.html)
We said dont miss left
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/62780661-05FD-44FC-AB4A-1999A693F548_zpsq33ltuhr.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/62780661-05FD-44FC-AB4A-1999A693F548_zpsq33ltuhr.jpg.html)
17 419/4
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/D07A40F1-9AC9-4682-A000-CCEEF8557E81_zpstqt7idzt.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/D07A40F1-9AC9-4682-A000-CCEEF8557E81_zpstqt7idzt.jpg.html)
18 469/4 approach from 110 yards after laying up
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/68B15745-B1D1-4DEF-B887-00E0810F853F_zpsr03rpkpm.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/68B15745-B1D1-4DEF-B887-00E0810F853F_zpsr03rpkpm.jpg.html)
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Congratulations, Philadelphia Cricket Club members, the Eagle has landed!
Looks grand, Powell.
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Wow, this looks really good. Are the cobbles an integral part of the course and in play behind 18? I did not see any white stakes. Given the second shot into the green and the likelihood of coming in a little hot from the downhill slope of the fairway that could make for some interesting situations. How close is the path from the back of the green? It was tough to be certain from the available pictures.
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Thanks for sharing the photos with us. The restoration looks to be spectacular and I agree that the features appear to be very mature. My former club has a master plan from Keith Foster sitting on the shelf. Seeing his work makes me upset that the membership would deprive themselves of this type of restoration all for the sake of saving their stupid tree overgrowth, but I digress.
I could go on about my favorite features (such as the bunkers) but the photos speak for themselves. Enjoy your new(ly restored) course! Has membership response been positive? More importantly, how are the members who opposed the restoration reacting?
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That approach into 12 makes it look like a completely different hole!
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I mean this in a good way, this does not look like a typical Westchester Tillinghast course. Looks more like a mix of Baltimore/Newport/San Francisco, which is a great thing. I have only played the "new" course at PCC and this looks fabulous. Love to see it one day. Congrats.
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To say this looks terrific is an incredible understatement.
Congratulations to the club and all those involved. Wonderful to see.
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Jim, the cobbles are in play. I will give you a free drop if your approach lands in them. I believe they are immovable obstructions as opposed to integral parts of the course.
It's either a 220+ yard approach from the top if the hill or 100 yards from the layup at the bottom of the hill short of the stream. A downhill lie is unlikely. That said, it's all in play, including the patio. We had an up and down from an approach that came to rest on the first tee box. That caused a few $ to change hands among the spectators on the patio.
Brian, it had exceeded everyone's expectations. That may mean naysayer to ok. But it was all smiles today from the full spectrum of players.
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Playing tomorrow morning. And probably won't sleep tonight!
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Certainly very green.
Doesnt seem to be a lot of variety in terms of ground cover. Long grass wall to wall.
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Powell, looks fantastic. Thanks for all the photos you have posted during the process, well done.
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Wow! Just wow!
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To say this looks terrific is an incredible understatement.
Congratulations to the club and all those involved. Wonderful to see.
+1. Fantastic looking!
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Wow....just wow.
My expectations were completely blown away today. The transformation is incredible and these pictures don't do it justice despite Powell's photography skills.
The course from the second set of tees has plenty of teeth and the new greens are massive and already plenty fast. One interesting bit is that despite the "no first cut" there were no awkward lies in my entire foursome today on the edges of the fairways or greens. Maybe when the course gets firmer we will see more of the runout to the corners.
One very noticeable difference is the brutally difficult stretch we now have in holes 4-6 and 14-18. My handicap is absolutely going to rise as I keep playing the course. I can't even imagine playing from the tips. My back would be shot.
Mark
(http://i62.tinypic.com/2w6ierl.jpg)
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Wow....just wow.
My expectations were completely blown away today. The transformation is incredible and these pictures don't do it justice despite Powell's photography skills.
The course from the second set of tees has plenty of teeth and the new greens are massive and already plenty fast. One interesting bit is that despite the "no first cut" there were no awkward lies in my entire foursome today on the edges of the fairways or greens. Maybe when the course gets firmer we will see more of the runout to the corners.
One very noticeable difference is the brutally difficult stretch we now have in holes 4-6 and 14-18. My handicap is absolutely going to rise as I keep playing the course. I can't even imagine playing from the tips. My back would be shot.
Mark
(http://i62.tinypic.com/2w6ierl.jpg)
Thanks for the invite.
:-)
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Glad you guys are finally getting to enjoy the course. In a massive understatement, the results seem to justify the inconvenience.
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Powell-
There was a conversation today about the top three favorite improvements of the effort. Just three. What are your favorite improvements?
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Powell-
There was a conversation today about the top three favorite improvements of the effort. Just three. What are your favorite improvements?
Just three:
The acquisition of land right of 15, to open up 12-16
Hells half acre on 7
Sodding of the rough throughout
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This may be the golf course architecture event of the year. The resurrection of Tilly's home course!
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Top 3 improvements:
1. Hell's Half Acre on 7
2. The transition from 15 green to the all new and incredible 16 tee shot. (basically the photo I posted above)
3. The expansion of the green and reclaiming of the backstop on 15.
Mark
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I'm just psyched that those willow trees are gone from the left of 18 down by the creek :)
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If this isn't a top 100 course after this restoration, I don't know what is.
Already one of my all-time favorites and it looks AMAZING. Bravo.
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Today we had a large event for guests who played important roles in the restoration.
I ran into a few GCA people there this morning, so hopefully we have a few reviews posted up soon!
Mark
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I got to play Wissahickon in April 2011 in UPenn's home tournament and loved it back then. I'm blown away by how much #15 has been opened up. That was the only thing I didn't love about the course and now it's gone.
Nothing happened to the clubhouse ginger snaps, I hope! ;D
Congrats on what appears to be a remarkable upgrade to an already splendid golf course.
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I was fortunate to be among the guests to play the course today. I would say the three changes that stood out for me are
1) The change in the order of play of holes, giving you 7-10 to make up some ground and improves the rhythm of the round.
2) The tree removal on the back nine combined with the features being renewed and the ability to survey large swaths of the course and the impact of wind on these holes
3) Changes to 15.
I must say I was surprised to learn the greens were going to be completely rebuilt and although I did not know the that well I felt the new greens were close to what was there 12 months ago. The course prior to the restoration looked worn out and in need of more than just maintenance.
The rough is very thick.
Greens were very firm but playable and true, I would not guess about green speed but it was not easy or over the top.
The lack of a collar around the greens make recovery shots very challenging.
I am not a long hitter, but don't just look at the card there are many uphill approach shots.
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I got to play Wissahickon in April 2011 in UPenn's home tournament and loved it back then. I'm blown away by how much #15 has been opened up. That was the only thing I didn't love about the course and now it's gone.
Nothing happened to the clubhouse ginger snaps, I hope! ;D
Congrats on what appears to be a remarkable upgrade to an already splendid golf course.
Tim, the ginger snaps are still there! Don't worry.
MM
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I was fortunate to be among the guests to play the course today. I would say the three changes that stood out for me are
1) The change in the order of play of holes, giving you 7-10 to make up some ground and improves the rhythm of the round.
2) The tree removal on the back nine combined with the features being renewed and the ability to survey large swaths of the course and the impact of wind on these holes
3) Changes to 15.
I must say I was surprised to learn the greens were going to be completely rebuilt and although I did not know the that well I felt the new greens were close to what was there 12 months ago. The course prior to the restoration looked worn out and in need of more than just maintenance.
The rough is very thick.
Greens were very firm but playable and true, I would not guess about green speed but it was not easy or over the top.
The lack of a collar around the greens make recovery shots very challenging.
I am not a long hitter, but don't just look at the card there are many uphill approach shots.
Mike, how many times did you see someone in your group needing to improvise from the edge cut of the green or fairway? Interesting enough, it didn't happen to anyone when I was out there Saturday....though its just a matter of time... :)
Mark
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I was fortunate to be among the guests to play the course today. I would say the three changes that stood out for me are
1) The change in the order of play of holes, giving you 7-10 to make up some ground and improves the rhythm of the round.
2) The tree removal on the back nine combined with the features being renewed and the ability to survey large swaths of the course and the impact of wind on these holes
3) Changes to 15.
I must say I was surprised to learn the greens were going to be completely rebuilt and although I did not know the that well I felt the new greens were close to what was there 12 months ago. The course prior to the restoration looked worn out and in need of more than just maintenance.
The rough is very thick.
Greens were very firm but playable and true, I would not guess about green speed but it was not easy or over the top.
The lack of a collar around the greens make recovery shots very challenging.
I am not a long hitter, but don't just look at the card there are many uphill approach shots.
Mike, how many times did you see someone in your group needing to improvise from the edge cut of the green or fairway? Interesting enough, it didn't happen to anyone when I was out there Saturday....though its just a matter of time... :)
Mark
Today the fairways had what i would call a modest 12-18" first cut ~1/2" shorter than the primary rough, I did not see any impact. Will the fairways always have that collar? I prefer the Pine Valley presentation it looks less formal and saves labor.
At the greens it is completely another issue and much more difficult on recovery shots. My ball was two feet over on 15 near the pin and a soft landing on the apron was not an option. I did get it to a foot but it took a much better shot.
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Just got home from a wonderful day at Philly Cricket. I was fortunate enough to play today and it was a perfect day in every respect.
The course is awesome! I really enjoyed playing the course. I could have easily stepped off 18 green and teed off from 1 again. I really liked the routing. The holes flowed very well and created some areas on the first ten holes. where greens and tees provided opportunities to needle one's friends as you walked from green to tee.
The fairways had excellent width and provided great angles to greens. The presentation was very old school with small first cut. It looked great and played great.
The bunkers were all restored to grass faces and pretty flat bottoms. The bunker faces appeared to be sodded with grasses that blended in perfectly with the course giving the impression that they had been there quite a while. The sand was excellent; firm and fun. The bunkers were in play and beautifully constructed. The 7th's Hell's Half Acre and the 14th's Hell's Quarter Acre were wicked cool.
The greens, without collars, were very interesting, varied and fun to hit shots into and to putt. Some greens you can run the ball up, some require aerial shots and some require approaches from the correct angle. Great fun all around.
All in all, great job! Congratulations to Philly Cricket and all involved. I am sure members and guests will greatly enjoy the course for years to come.
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The 15th hole looks great. There's now plenty of room to swing freely. All the hole needs is a pump house long and right.
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Mike and Mike,
Glad you both enjoyed it. Hopefully the skies didn't open up on you while you were playing!
Shi$, We do have an outhouse behind 15 tee. I'll have to ask what the ruling is on it before Tim plays!
Mark
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Mark, good idea. We know what happens when Tim and Joe make pump houses rulings.
(http://s26.postimg.org/gito5dsah/Yale_Pumphouse.jpg)
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Mark, good idea. We know what happens when Tim and Joe make pump houses rulings.
(http://s26.postimg.org/gito5dsah/Yale_Pumphouse.jpg)
;D ;D ;D
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I was fortunate to be among the guests to play the course today. I would say the three changes that stood out for me are
1) The change in the order of play of holes, giving you 7-10 to make up some ground and improves the rhythm of the round.
2) The tree removal on the back nine combined with the features being renewed and the ability to survey large swaths of the course and the impact of wind on these holes
3) Changes to 15.
I must say I was surprised to learn the greens were going to be completely rebuilt and although I did not know the that well I felt the new greens were close to what was there 12 months ago. The course prior to the restoration looked worn out and in need of more than just maintenance.
The rough is very thick.
Greens were very firm but playable and true, I would not guess about green speed but it was not easy or over the top.
The lack of a collar around the greens make recovery shots very challenging.
I am not a long hitter, but don't just look at the card there are many uphill approach shots.
Mike, how many times did you see someone in your group needing to improvise from the edge cut of the green or fairway? Interesting enough, it didn't happen to anyone when I was out there Saturday....though its just a matter of time... :)
Mark
Today the fairways had what i would call a modest 12-18" first cut ~1/2" shorter than the primary rough, I did not see any impact. Will the fairways always have that collar? I prefer the Pine Valley presentation it looks less formal and saves labor.
At the greens it is completely another issue and much more difficult on recovery shots. My ball was two feet over on 15 near the pin and a soft landing on the apron was not an option. I did get it to a foot but it took a much better shot.
Mike, I asked Dan Meersman about the single pass you mentioned and received the following response.
We're simply doing a narrow, one-pass cut around fairways and greens. It's our normal rough, just slightly lower; and not to be confused with a collar, or courtesy cuts which lead back to tee boxes. We are planning to keep it. Keith Foster recommended it to assist playability around greens and fairways.
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Mark, good idea. We know what happens when Tim and Joe make pump houses rulings.
(http://s26.postimg.org/gito5dsah/Yale_Pumphouse.jpg)
Are you playing Hockey Referee and signaling interference? :)
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http://digitalmag.globalgolfpost.com/20140602/GAP?utm_campaign=GAP%206-2-2014&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_content=Cricket%20Restoration%20Echoes%20Tillinghast%20Original&#&pageSet=14&page=0&contentItem=undefined
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How private is Philly Cricket? I've got a trip up to Philly in September to play Merion and I'm looking for a couple other courses to play in the area. Long shot, but figured I'd look into ease of access.
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I am not sure what you mean by how private. But I will tell you that if I had 5 courses to play, this would be one of them.
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Tim's hand signal may be taken from American football but the meaning is clear. That dang pumphouse is a no go area. He and Bausch assessed me a one stoke penalty because they considered it an immovable obstruction when my ball decided to come to rest against it. They won the match.
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http://www.cybergolf.com/golf_news/philly_cricket_wissahickon_the_once_future_king
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A great write up Jay!! I hope you enjoyed the day out there.
MM
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Here are a couple of time lapse videos of the patio expansion and driveway removal at Wissahickon.
Wow! What a winter!
http://youtu.be/Jxwkd2GjPRQ (http://youtu.be/Jxwkd2GjPRQ)
http://youtu.be/cpFiwO5ZmFM (http://youtu.be/cpFiwO5ZmFM)
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The native areas are starting to brown out nicely, creating some great vistas to frame the course.
The club brought in Evan Schiller (www.golfshots.com (http://www.golfshots.com)) for some professional photos this past week. And went to great heights to get some cool perspectives:
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/6DBD1C5E-1DE2-4136-81D2-956224781668_zps6reaxope.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/6DBD1C5E-1DE2-4136-81D2-956224781668_zps6reaxope.jpg.html)
Golf porn update:
View down 2: 396 yard par 4 (distances from the II tees, 6680 yards, 72.8/134)
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/55E213D7-1544-4F93-BC1F-0053D3E760AD_zpslh57cyjw.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/55E213D7-1544-4F93-BC1F-0053D3E760AD_zpslh57cyjw.jpg.html)
View behind 2 green
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/D7A0E9E0-20A3-44B1-8435-E0010269B7F8_zpsa7crfemx.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/D7A0E9E0-20A3-44B1-8435-E0010269B7F8_zpsa7crfemx.jpg.html)
View from right of 3 tee: 115 yard par 3
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/6F1225E6-157D-4DC3-92C5-94C8184662AF_zpsm5mykirq.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/6F1225E6-157D-4DC3-92C5-94C8184662AF_zpsm5mykirq.jpg.html)
View from behind 3 green
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/BB4E4426-8B20-418C-89C2-753BD0D67E2B_zpslszeulzb.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/BB4E4426-8B20-418C-89C2-753BD0D67E2B_zpslszeulzb.jpg.html)
View from behind 5 green: 197 yard par 3
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/F336CA54-2C9D-4B5B-BA35-332CF94C9E37_zpsyihtwzka.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/F336CA54-2C9D-4B5B-BA35-332CF94C9E37_zpsyihtwzka.jpg.html)
View from 10 tee: 147 yard par 3
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/B6CA03EE-740A-434A-B98E-06DE1D50C2BD_zps5jpxiucs.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/B6CA03EE-740A-434A-B98E-06DE1D50C2BD_zps5jpxiucs.jpg.html)
View from right of 17 green, with 1 green background right and 2 tee background left: 419 yard par 4
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/B3ADBA7F-AD73-4393-BC37-3BA8129407EB_zps4kcdozhn.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/B3ADBA7F-AD73-4393-BC37-3BA8129407EB_zps4kcdozhn.jpg.html)
Hard to believe it was under construction this time last year.
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These Even Schiller photos are incredible. I cannot understand, £$£$ or desire for privacy aside, why some clubs-courses that do not have top quality photos on their websites, their window to the world, and for historical record purposes. Quality photos IMO just scream out "Come and play here!"
As an aside, are the Wissahickon course and the St Martins course used for the recent World Hickory Matchplay Championship on the same site?
I noticed on the hickory event thread mentions that the St Martins was restored three years ago - http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,58898.0.html
atb
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Powell,
Those Schiller photographs are mind blowingly good. Foster and the superintendents staff have polished up a real gem of a property. I will be playing sometime in the next several months I trust. Just phenomenal looking. Can not wait.
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Amazing photos of a wonderful course.
The boys from St. Louis sure loved it (thanks again Powell)!
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...
As an aside, are the Wissahickon course and the St Martins course used for the recent World Hickory Matchplay Championship on the same site?
I noticed on the hickory event thread mentions that the St Martins was restored three years ago - http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,58898.0.html
atb
The St Martins course is on the club's original campus in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia, about 4.5 miles from the Flourtown campus with the Wissahickon and Militia Hill golf courses. St Martins had been 18 holes when it hosted the US Open in 1907 and 1910 (and when George C. Thomas won two club championships, and Johnny McDermott won the Philadelphia Open) It did, and still does, sit on land that the club ground leases, and that uncertainty prompted the club to buy the ~375 acres in Flourtown ca. 1920. Club member AW Tillinaghast designed the Wissahickon course, which opened in 1922. Shortly thereafter, the club did lose the ground lease on half of the St Martins land, reducing the course to 9 holes.
The St Martins course was restored based on a plan developed by Keith Foster using old aerials. The overwhelming majority of the work at St Martins was done in-house.
David, glad everyone enjoyed the visit. Charlie , see you soon!
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Fantastic photographs. A real pro!
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The pictures turned out excellent, hopefully the club uses them to update the website soon. :)
Mark
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These Even Schiller photos are incredible. I cannot understand, £$£$ or desire for privacy aside, why some clubs-courses that do not have top quality photos on their websites, their window to the world, and for historical record purposes. Quality photos IMO just scream out "Come and play here!"
Thomas - at least on your and my side of the pond, the answer is simply cash. Clubs can't get their heads around the idea of spending several thousand pounds on commissioning a professional golf course photographer. Even if, deep down, they know they will get great value from it.
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A few more taken this past weekend by Evan Schiller:
Looking down 1 fairway: 395 yard par 4 (taken from about 18 green)
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/F94C12EB-6C60-4E03-A4BF-2AE0688E20A7_zpsg5bywgo5.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/F94C12EB-6C60-4E03-A4BF-2AE0688E20A7_zpsg5bywgo5.jpg.html)
16 from just left of the tee: 408 yard par 4
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/E6FFF629-648F-4EA0-A4F1-F13509CFFD59_zpsibifzvyu.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/E6FFF629-648F-4EA0-A4F1-F13509CFFD59_zpsibifzvyu.jpg.html)
from right of 5 green (197 yard par 3) looking down 6: 475 yard par 4
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/870CF73B-DAEE-42B0-9717-F8085D32D1A8_zps9jf7brqt.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/870CF73B-DAEE-42B0-9717-F8085D32D1A8_zps9jf7brqt.jpg.html)
Looking down 14 from behind the green: 411 yard par 4
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/E5E3B134-8989-4E8F-B467-59FD70EE320C_zpswhjv922h.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/E5E3B134-8989-4E8F-B467-59FD70EE320C_zpswhjv922h.jpg.html)
Looking down 17 from behind the green: 419 yard par 4
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/10A28488-A5B4-4D3A-B21A-7F1961DC659A_zpsoi9ypytf.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/10A28488-A5B4-4D3A-B21A-7F1961DC659A_zpsoi9ypytf.jpg.html)
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Powell, these photos are exceptional. What better way to show off the course's fantastic restoration than with a series of professional photographs. I'm surprised we don't see more of this.
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One more from Evan Schiller, looking down 7 over the restored Great Hazard. Par 5, 514 yards, about 295 yards to the hazard, which is between 40 and 90 yards deep. And driving just into it perhaps less penal than the bunker fairway right at about 230-250 yards
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/0407BDEA-A290-427E-A093-0811B00BE7C9_zpsl3a4fadv.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/0407BDEA-A290-427E-A093-0811B00BE7C9_zpsl3a4fadv.jpg.html)
Moving on to the next holes to shoot.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/pwarms/B764D154-DD35-4BD7-AFDA-00B17854DED5_zpscxgwd6gl.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/pwarms/media/B764D154-DD35-4BD7-AFDA-00B17854DED5_zpscxgwd6gl.jpg.html)
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Powell and Mark
I was a big fan of PCC to begin with . . . .this work is outstanding. Hats off to the entire membership. Especially those who spearheaded the project. You have a lot to be proud of and a lot of great golf to be played!
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Just beautiful photos. Looks amazing.
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Wow, those are quite the pics from Evan!
Some would think I'm crazy to post a link to my ground level photos from the course last week, but I'm going to! ;)
Here is the link, where later in the round some of the lighting is pretty good:
http://xchem.villanova.edu/~bausch/images/albums/PCCWissahickon/
Here is my photo tour thread of the course from back in 2011, before Foster's work, but after significant tree removal:
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,47391.125.html
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That photo of #7 is amazing.
One of the things I've always loved about this forum is that it's introduced me to many courses I've never heard of in my 36 years. I'd never heard of Wissahickon, but this thread has made it a bucket list item for my golfing future.
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Fabulous pictures. Course is looking great.
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Joe - great photos, as always. And the comparison to Evan's is not appropriate. I am pretty sure he was not playing golf while snapping photos!
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Joe - great photos, as always. And the comparison to Evan's is not appropriate. I am pretty sure he was not playing golf while snapping photos!
Some would say I wasn't playing golf either the other day. ;-)
Except for birdies at 10 and 11. Golf gods at work!
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these are some of the best golf photos i've ever seen. my dad is a philly native and when visiting the drive into my grandparents' house always passed by this course so i've only seen fleeting glimpses from the road. it's nice to see the whole set-up. looks amazing.
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Evan Schiller's photos are great!
Has this aerial been posted before?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUrCQ_0WrTo
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Evan Schiller's photos are great!
Has this aerial been posted before?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUrCQ_0WrTo
Steve, I don't believe that video of hole by hole aerials has been posted here. The photos and video were done by club member Duncan Pearson. The photos date from 2011, after much of the tree removal had occurred but before the restoration started (June 2013)
Here is a video of both Wissahickon and Militia Hill, taken by an aerial drone this past month, in July 2014, during the club's Ross & Smith Member Guest:
http://youtu.be/b9VvoGqyFJA (http://youtu.be/b9VvoGqyFJA)
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Another review by Klein:
http://www.bjtonline.com/business-jet-news/philadelphia-cricket-club
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We just received word from Jim Smith that Golf Magazine named Wissahickon the best private restoration of 2014, pretty good stuff!! Article below:
(http://i58.tinypic.com/2pqnwd5.jpg)
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Nice article, bad photo caption.
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Good call John. I didnt piece that one together. I wonder if they wanted a picture of 7 instead..
MM
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That said, some of the best bunkering I've seen anywhere. Foster nailed it. I contend they were very much influenced by Fownes and Tilly wanted something like it on his course. I also love how they appear green side front from 180+, but in reality a good 14 yards short of the green.
Just a great hole and a lot of fun to play.
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John,
The bunkers are extremely similar to those that Tilly did at 5 Farms and Fresh Meadow. Take a look at the Tillinghast Association website in the National Championship Programs section. There you'll find both programs from each club for the major championships they held in 1928 & 1932. In them you'll find both original design drawings showing the bunkers drawn by Tilly and photographs of holes showing them as well.
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Over Thanksgiving, I had a chance to visit Cricket with our own Mark McKeever.
As has been the common theme surrounding reviews of the final product, I was blown away. Hats off to the club for undertaking such a project. Some of my favorite changes:
The new routing of the front nine sections off the holes in such a way that the player feels like he must start out well on the three relatively simple opening holes, hang on for the next three, and then press on the last three to come in with a solid score on the front. There will be many a round ruined early on the new stretch of 4-5-6.
The bunker work is beautiful to look at - The look of holes 7 (old 4) and 14 is particularly remarkable. If you put up a before and after picture starting the day before the tree removal program started and ending on opening day post restoration, you would never believe that you were looking at the same golf course.
Reclaimed green space - The most obvious one is hole 11, but there are many holes where the club has been able to reclaim green space that was lost to maintenance and restore the putting surfaces to their original intent.
Hole 15 - the new angle of the tee brings the much deeper bunker on the left side of the green into play. I watched a certain player in my group that day find himself unable to get out.
Hole 16 - I like the new back tee on this hole. The back tee on the old hole always felt like trying to make a full swing in the opened trunk of my sedan
Hole 17 - New angle makes this hole a true dogleg for even the longest hitters. Bonus is that when the pin is on the right side of the green it is a hole that requires a draw off the tee and a fade into the pin. I have always been a sucker for holes like that.
I had a great experience and cannot wait to return in better weather. Congratulations to Jim Smith and the greens staff at Cricket, truly an impressive project that should have the other GAP clubs jealous but envious. Cricket has always been in the upper echelon of clubs, but this restoration work seals the club's position in the upper echelon of quality of golf.
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Mark: as a desperate hooker with the game management skills of Frankie Machine, I am flying those bunkers every time. Or maybe fall in. But really thrilling.
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These have been posted on another thread, but in the interest of comprehensiveness, I am also posting on this thread.
The 2020 USGA fourball is coming to Philly Cricket , with the Militia Hill and Wissahickon courses to host the opening rounds, and the finals to be contested on the restored Wissahickon course.
http://www.usga.org/ChampEventArticle2.aspx?id=21474878338 (http://www.usga.org/ChampEventArticle2.aspx?id=21474878338)
http://www.geoffshackelford.com/homepage/2015/1/13/philadelphia-cricket-club-lands-2020-four-ball.html (http://www.geoffshackelford.com/homepage/2015/1/13/philadelphia-cricket-club-lands-2020-four-ball.html)
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/20150113_Philadelphia_Cricket_Club_to_host_Four-Ball_championship.html (http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/20150113_Philadelphia_Cricket_Club_to_host_Four-Ball_championship.html)
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We can all debate the validity of lists here:
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,60697.0.html (http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,60697.0.html)
Regardless, it's awesome to see the Wissahickon course jump from 102 to 32 on GolfWeek's top classic course list on the back of Keith Foster's restoration
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We can all debate the validity of lists here:
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,60697.0.html (http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,60697.0.html)
Regardless, it's awesome to see the Wissahickon course jump from 102 to 32 on GolfWeek's top classic course list on the back of Keith Foster's restoration
No shock here. It's an eye-popper of a re-do.
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Wow... that's quite a move!!! I gotta get back and check it out when i'm in Phila. this summer. To leap-frog Aronimink and Huntington Valley must mean it's REALLY good.
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Just announced today, Philly Cricket's Wissahickon course will host 2016 Constellation Senior Players Championship. After a 106 year hiatus, the club will host its third major.
PGA Tour press release https://t.co/VNGP5s0RRU (https://t.co/VNGP5s0RRU)
As an aside, I find it interesting that the club's original course, St Martins, hosted two U.S. Opens, in 1907 and 1910. And yet, when the new Wissahickon / Tillinghast course opened in 1922, in the blink of an eye after 1910, the USGA never held an event there . I wonder who pissed off whom? Still researching this question.
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Powell,
That is wonderful news indeed!
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Another coup for a club that really laid it down to elevate their presentatipn! Congrats to the membership and the super teamwork of all involved to land another "biggie" for the Philly region.
I think we can now say with confidence that the Philadelphia area is finally returning to it's former prominence in hosting elite level golf events.
There had been a noticeable absence from consistent hosting by Philly clubs of top professional events, so it 's nice to see us back in the mix!
Cheers,
Kris 8)
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Powell, I was lucky enough to play with the Golfweek Raters last year on the tour of all three courses. The renovated Wissahickon was one of my favorite rounds of the year by far... it was stunning. The Constellation Players was also played for a few years at Five Farms another fine Tillinghast layout. They underwent a extensive renovation under Keith Foster similar to yours that will reopen in a few weeks. It will be very interesting to compare the two renovations. If Five Farms turns out as well as Wissahickon the Mid Atlantic will have two of finest Tillinghast layouts in the country. Please give my regards to Mr. Olsman and Greg Guyer who were also terrific hosts.
Sinclair
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I'm a huge Foster fan and have no doubt Five Farms will be a home run.
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The 2015 PGA Professional National Championship (PNC) Media Day was held today at the Philadelphia Cricket Club (PCC). Golf Channel's "Morning Drive" was onsite to interview key figures and present short exposes on the course and Philadelphia region. A complete video listing is below; there are some great pictures of the course and nice profiles of other area courses and clubs, including Cobb's Creek.
I attended the event, but was unable to stay to play golf...I had to get back to the office! I hope to play the course for the first time sometime soon!
- PGA President Derek Sprague and PNC defending champion preview the 2015 PNC and the course (http://www.golfchannel.com/media/sprague-and-block-48th-pga-professional-national-championship/)
- Philadelphia PGA Section Historian Pete Trenham provides PCC history (http://www.golfchannel.com/media/history-philadelphias-cricket-club/)
- Sports Illustrated's Michael Bamberger discusses PCC (http://www.golfchannel.com/media/bamberger-talks-philadelphia-cricket-club/)
- Matt Ginella plays Cobb's Creek (http://www.golfchannel.com/media/matt-ginella-things-do-philadelphia/)
- Matt Ginella on a few of the Philadelphia area's best public golf courses (http://www.golfchannel.com/media/matt-ginella-plays-philadelphias-public-courses/)
- Former Pennsylvania Governor and Philadelphia Mayor Ed Rendell on the PNC (http://www.golfchannel.com/media/rendells-talk-48th-pga-professional-national-championship/)
- PNC defending champion speaks about his win (http://www.golfchannel.com/media/block-reflects-2014-pga-professional-win/)
- 1985 PNC champion Ed Dougherty speaks about his win (http://www.golfchannel.com/media/dougherty-reflects-1985-pga-professional-win/)
- Ed Dougherty reflects on the deadly Philadelphia train derailment (http://www.golfchannel.com/media/dougherty-reflects-philadelphia-train-crash/)
- 2013 PNC champion Rod Perry speaks about his win (http://www.golfchannel.com/media/perry-reflects-2013-pga-professional-win/)
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This is the ultimate vampire thread on gca.
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Each year, PGA Magazine's June issue runs a series of articles about the PGA Professional National Championship, which is traditionally held in late June. This year, the championship will be contested at the Philadelphia Cricket Club on their Wissahickon and Militia Hill Courses, June 28-July 1.
Here is the series of articles, in order of GCA relevance:
- A Closer Look: A Major Challenge; The Wissahickon and Militia Hill courses will test competitors from tee to green (http://www.pgamagazinedigital.com/i/515442-jun-2015/88)
- Tradition, History at Every Turn; Field of 312 PGA Professionals to test to test the Philadelphia Cricket Club with National Championship title and 20 berths in 2015 PGA Championship at stake on June 28-July 1 (http://www.pgamagazinedigital.com/i/515442-jun-2015/74)
- Behind the Scenes; Host staff ready for big event (http://www.pgamagazinedigital.com/i/515442-jun-2015/86)
- A Model for Organizing Your Own Tournaments; The details that promise to make the 2015 PGA Professional National Championship special can be implemented into tournaments conducted at your own facility (http://www.pgamagazinedigital.com/i/515442-jun-2015/118)
- PGA Professional National Championship Through the Years (http://www.pgamagazinedigital.com/i/515442-jun-2015/116)
- 2015 PGA Professional National Championship Complete Field; These 312 players are scheduled to compete in this year's championship (http://www.pgamagazinedigital.com/i/515442-jun-2015/102)
- Past National Champions; These previous winners of the PGA Professional National Championship are expected to tee it up at the Philadelphia Cricket Club (http://www.pgamagazinedigital.com/i/515442-jun-2015/106)
- Can Block Win Again? As is stamped on the 2014 PGA Professional National champion's golf balls:"Why Not?" (http://www.pgamagazinedigital.com/i/515442-jun-2015/98)
On a personal note, I was fortunate enough to play the Wissahickon for the first time yesterday afternoon and was blown away...I very much enjoyed my round and learning about the course and restoration project.
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Bump. My apologies as the links in the last post were broken. All fixed now!
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Here is a beautiful video of the courses, featuring the grounds crew: https://vimeo.com/143213800 (https://vimeo.com/143213800)
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http://results.golfstat.com//public/leaderboards/gsnav.cfm?pg=team&tid=18053 (http://results.golfstat.com//public/leaderboards/gsnav.cfm?pg=team&tid=18053)
Tough venue for the Big Ten Championship