Is Driving Doral's New 16th Worth The Risk?

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I consider this vital, weighty question heading into the WGC Cadillac Championship that starts Thursday.

Of course, the previous 16th hole did not look like a hole one should drive and players did it, adding some excitement to recent final years. But as I explain in this GolfDigest.com Local Knowledge item, the biggest question mark heading in will be the new 16th's risk-reward equation.

A few photos from three weeks ago, starting with the vastly improved tee view:

(Click image to enlarge)The second shot view from the lay-up area:

(Click on image to enlarge) And the rear view looking back toward the fairway (tee is to the right in the distance):

(Click on image to enlarge)

Seminole Brings The '13 Major Champs Together!

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The Seminole Member-Pro--think Tavistock Cup without the helicopters but with no shortage of Tanqueray and a surprising number of grown men with names that sound like 19th Century book publishers wearing pastel shorts and loafers with no socks--was played Monday at the Donald Ross masterpiece and it marked the first and only gathering of 2013's four major champs: Adam Scott, Justin Rose, Phil Mickelson and Jason Dufner.

 Erik Matuszewski previewed the day for Bloomberg and said Mickelson teamed with Jimmy Dunne.

Rex Hoggard reports a good time was had by all, especially these men:

Rory Sabbatini, paired with amateur Hugh Kenworthy, won the gross division of the Seminole Member-Pro in a match of cards with Roberto Castro and Russell Ball, who claimed the net division title with a 59.

Golfweek.com rounds up the player Tweets from Seminole.

But way more exciting was the news from Tim Rosaforte on Golf Central that Arnold Palmer hit a grand opening tee shot. Rumored to have had a little health scare earlier this year, The King apparently looked awesome and hit a booming drive to get the proceedings under way. Best news I've heard all year.