Jemsek Defends Rees, Cog Hill Redo

/

Ed Sherman says this may be the last BMW/Western Open at Cog Hill due to a variety of issues, including the players' dislike for the Rees-tored Dubsdread course. Frank Jemsek, the eminently likeable fellow who runs the place, says conditioning may have played a role in player negativity (likely) and that Rees simply is a step ahead of the modern game with his changes (not likely).

"What Rees is trying to do is keep up with the best players in the world," Mr. Jemsek said. "He's trying to figure out a way to get a step ahead. When somebody gets a step ahead of me, I know I don't like it.

"Rees tried to build three small greens within a large green (creating a variety of pin locations). If you don't hit it close to the pin, you're going to have to putt over a ridge. That's a putt they don't like. Rees put those ridges in there to make it difficult for them."

Despite the criticism, Mr. Jemsek said he has no regrets about Mr. Jones' redesign. "He did what we wanted him to do: make the course more challenging (for the pros)."

2011 Walker Cup Final Day Open Comment Thread

/

Several milestone moments await during day two of the Walker Cup, where the U.S.A. trails Great Britain/Ireland 7-5...

- Will the ESPN3.com telecast end with four singles matches still on the course, as happened Saturday?

- Which American will be the first to make a well-intentioned but ultimately embarrassing 9-11 reference in summing up where he found the energy to finish off his opponent?

- Will the U.S. team's bond, forged over straight-to-video films and the comfort in knowing John Peterson was not there to help win matches, motivate the Yanks enough to overcome a two point deficit?

It all starts at 9:15 a.m. ET.

"The redo is not conducive to our tournament there."

/

Len Ziehm, quoting Steve Stricker on the eve of what may be the final BMW/Western Open at Rees-tored Cog Hill.

“I’m excited to go back there,” said Stricker, a Western Open champion on Dubsdread in 1996.

“But I’m disappointed about what transpired there. The redo is not conducive to our tournament there. It was a little severe. It’s playable, but a little tricked up and goofy in spots. I feel real bad for the Jemsek family (owners of the course). They stuck a lot of money into (the renovation), and they’re great people. I liked it before, but the players just don’t like it (now). The redo isn’t good. It’s sad for the Jemsek family.”

The Best Reminder Of Why Long Putter Anchoring Is A Farce

/

Bob Carney posts some recent GolfDigest.com/Golf World letters and shares this from Hank Schlautmann of Port Huron, Michigan.

Years ago Craig Stadler lost $33,333.33 for placing a towel under his knees. I think they called it a stance improvement. Belly-putter users are cheaters as far as I'm concerned. That isn't golf. It should be called by it's real name (BELLY GOLF).

"We were encouraged by the fact that in spite of Tiger's absence we were doing very, very well.''

/
Despite the protestations of Steiny's Keeler that the PGA Tour television negotiations sped up when it was realized Tiger would not turn around his game (eye rolls go here), Bob Harig breaks down the deal and gleans this from the tour's Ty Votaw about the influence of Tiger this time around:
Read More

U.S. Walker Cup Captain Goes On The Defensive?

/

The U.S. Walker Cup captain Jim Holtgrieve was asked about his team in today's pre-Cup press conference.

Q. The last American Walker Cup team to come over here, to Royal County Down, proved to be very special. On paper do you think this team looks even better?

JIM HOLTGRIEVE: You know, I know what's been going on with all the conversations. These ten young men are a very, very strong, talented team. Every one to me could beat each one of them any day of the week. I will just tell you that comparing them to the three teams that I played on, it's the most talented ten young men I've ever seen play in a Walker Cup amongst the three teams that I played on.

Excellent answer. Next quest...oh wait...there's more?

Obviously we have a process. We select the guys, and these ten young men earned their way onto this team. They're not only talented in playing golf, but they're very respectful young men who honour the game and have a lot of respect for each other, which has really been quite a daunting -- not a task, but a daunting observation from me. I'll just say that they're just ten great players.

Sounds like the Captain anticipated a John Peterson question!

Lewis: "I was asked if I wanted to go to US college and was told not to worry about my schoolwork – they would do it for me."

/
The Walker Cup cocktail banter just got a lot more interesting thanks to this James Corrigan Independent profile of amateur Tom Lewis, the lad who starred at this year's Open Championship and headliner of the GB&I team playing this week at Royal Aberdeen.
Read More