GolfClubAtlas.com > Golf Course Architecture

Weiskopf speaks on TPC Scottsdale changes

<< < (2/3) > >>

yogi_barry:
I could probably think of 20 ahead of TPC Scottsdale just within Scottsdale...

Matt_Ward:
Appreciate the feedback and I did get a laugh out of what Craig said regarding the fact there are likely 20 better courses JUST in Scottsdale. ;D What makes it soooooo funny is how true it is!

The TPC Scottsdale is a great example in what is wrong with a number of PGA Tour events. The whole premise of the place is to pack people in to see the players like cattle -- and one other thing -- sell as much boooooooze and brewskiissss as one can!

The architecture is truly low level at best. Like I said I do like the short par-4 17th -- the one where the pin is usually placed in the rear of the green with the narrow tongue.

The course is dreadfully dull and even with the length the professionals will simply dial in with one or two more clubs at best.

I often wonder if a new venue would really showcase the desert in such a way that really tests the players instead of the birdie-fest one sees. But that would mean reining in all the ticket and liquor sales -- not likely.  

Paul Richards:
Matt:

you asked:
>Does anyone think TPC / Scottsdale really belongs in the top 20 of all AZ golf courses? In my mind it doesn't.

It's in my top 20 of "fun" courses in Arizona.  I found it rather easy and enjoyable.  

But as far as being a 'great golf course'?

NAH!!

Matt_Ward:
Paul:

I find it interesting how you separated courses between those that are "fun" and those that are "great."

Personally, I really think great golf courses are fun ones. Clearly, there are courses where the fun meter is a bit higher than others and because fo those demands it may not be as much "fun" if you're not hitting it consistently.

TPC / Scottsdale is simply a major league disappointment. What people see on TV is far from the kind of appearance the course presents in person. It is on some of the most hideous terrain one can imagine -- boringly dead flat and as a result needed major helpings from man's hand to transform itself into something. It truly escapes me why a better location that intertwines Pinnacle Peak and the surrounding terrain could not have been chosen years ago as a premier tour site.

yogi_barry:
Matt,

I totally agree...  In non-tournament play you can blast it about anywhere on most holes - there is little strategic merit and the site has minimal visual/natural interest...  It was designed primarily to accomodate gobs of people - 100,000+.  If you haven't been there, it is hard to describe the sheer numbers of people - especially on tournament Saturday...  That scale doesn't translate well the rest of the year - it's just BIG SPACE and HUGE MOUNDS.  The best holes (and most fun) are #11 and 17.  Beyond that, a few good/fun holes - no more...  The game of golf is fun in and of itself - but TPC Scottsdale doesn't heighten the experience...  I rate the Papago Muni as infinately more fun!

Talking Stick has proven that quality and fun can be created on ugly, dead flat land - the property isn't an excuse...

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page

[*] Previous page