Shark Lukewarm On Changes To The Lakes, Confirming It's A Success!

Brent Read on the Australian Open layout revamped and revitalized by Mike Clayton and it appears one that is not too well liked by Greg Norman.

Fairways have been widened. Greens have been tricked-up. The concept was to return the club to its roots -- it was established in 1928 -- but the jury is out.

Norman hosted his own tournament at the course five times. He also won his first Australian Open at the venue. Not surprisingly, he has pleasant memories of the layout.
Given his close relationship with the course, Norman was reluctant to give the redesign his full imprimatur yesterday.

"I have really good, fond memories of The Lakes of old," Norman said. "Visually it's a totally different golf course. It looks like it would play a little easier for the pros and harder for the members.

That would make it just like most Norman designs!

"It looks like it's a little wider; it's not as intimidating off the tee."

That's not to say everyone has their doubts over the alterations.

"The changes on the course are fantastic," said Peter Senior, winner of the 1989 Open.