No doubt yesterday’s winds forced some of the biggest hitters to lay up on 13 and 15, but the lengthening of ANGC is killing the excitement we came to love. Did Ridley and friends not get the memo? I’m sure this has been discussed here many times.
The golf course has been out of balance for many years, beginning in the 90's when tech REALLY started outpacing design, and original intent.
At that point, and in future years, 13 and 15 weren't risk/reward holes, there were penal, rote execution par 4's, 3 woods and short irons to 13 and wedges(beginning with Tiger) and short irons into 15.
You never laid up after a good drive.
That's not risk reward-that's holding serve.
The balance has been restored, and it is tipped towards laying up properly when weather(wind against) decreases how many go for the greens in two..
This was compounded(or enhanced) by very firm conditions Fr-Sun.
The thing is, 15 in those conditions requires three very well thought out shots, a poor layup makes a chance at birdie or even par very dicey.
The sky is not falling, we're just seeing a return to long irons and woods being hit into par 5's, as well as careful thought about a layup(what lie, angle, and yardage)
I know that is a different concept for some.
Fans will just have to learn that a well executed 3 or 5 wood into a firm green to 25 feet is more "roarworthy" than an 8 iron to 8 feet.