I just played a Pete Dye course

mainuh

Writing this from my tablet and do not have a 10 year olds skills on devices like this to place a link.,
We played a course in our hometown of Surfside Beach / Myrtle Beach yesterday - Prestwick Golf Club, designed by Pete Dye and his son, P.B..

The slope from the back is 140 and playing from the senior tees that 140 slope was evident in every hole.
This course had so many moguls that if it was in New Hampshire / Vermont in the winter it would be a skiers delight.

Forgive me for saying this, but this Dye course was "diabolical". ;-)

Quick example, railroad ties not withstanding, the 18th hole had a bunker that I will try to describe.
Imagine that you have a deep dish cereal bowl, turn it upside down - the center ring is a bunker. Now take that same idea, make that upside down bowl, 5' high and fill that ring with sand. Not only do you do that but you place it 10 yards from the green.

At this point in my golfing game I have come to enjoy these design challenges.
30 years or so ago ( sorry, it's hazy... ;-) ) I played Trump Westchester and hated it - something like 130 bunkers..., today I'd like to think that a smile would cross my face.

I've matured... lol

rob

PIGDivot

Glad you enjoyed it. The few Pete Dye courses I've played have left me frustrated and pissed off, so it's definitely an acquired taste

Release

It's a good idea to study the yardage book ( or hole by hole video ) before you play any Dye design for the first time.

He is a master of visual intimidation. Some visual on the tee box would be so intimidated, you'd wonder if you should pull out a hybrid for the 450 yard par 4. But as soon as you walked off the tee box the fairway magically opens up and lots of landing room for the tee shot.

Bunker is another issue, but if well maintained, should not be trouble to get out ( learn to use a PW or 9 iron off a good lie in the bunker is a must ).

I have not played any designer golf courses since I formed a family. Budget conscious !

Spartan

I belonged to a private club for 5 years that had a P.B. Dye course. It really wasn't a good course and the club had a lot of turnover. Even the good players didn't stick around.

While none of the holes by themselves was unfair, as a group they were unfair. Target golf, every tee box was at an angle to the fairway, severely raised greens with small landing areas, etc. It basically burned me out on golf. I rarely played the year after I left. Even now, playing 9 holes in a league each week is enough golf for me.

blader

Spartan

Sounds like Sawgrass, a course I will never play ever again for the same reasons.

Having said that, I'm sure I'll play the Ocean Course again, even though--design wise--it is a mess.

Release

Some Dye design courses were actually done by associates, not the man himself. I don't believe he was involved with on site supervision for many years.
The dye design wears the weekend golfers down by visual effect and placement of hazards.

They are not for old-man golf for sure. I could not figure out why a local Muni been so successful, with 6300 from the tip and very little placement of hazards, with only one par 3 over the water hazards lots of landing area in front of the green, a few bunkers here an there....... Location is good and now I realized it's suitable for senior citizens and ladies and new golfers. Hence a typical round there is 5 - 6 hours.

Golfers need to have a minimum of tools to enjoy the Dye design.

CallMeAl

Uncle Pete at his finest!!!

Umfaan

Use to play a local Pete Dye course in Castle Rock, Plum Creek Golf and Country Club . I believe it was even a senior tour stop back in the day. Many railroad ties and use of lateral hazards but a fun course to play.
Plum Creek was a private country club and my FIL's best friend was a member so I tagged along every once in a while to play. Probably been 10 years since the last time I've been there.