{"id":1254029,"date":"2024-10-06T21:37:19","date_gmt":"2024-10-06T21:37:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/?p=1254029"},"modified":"2024-10-07T06:24:42","modified_gmt":"2024-10-07T06:24:42","slug":"the-finicky-golfer-tamarack-cc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/the-finicky-golfer-tamarack-cc\/","title":{"rendered":"The “Finicky” Golfer"},"content":{"rendered":"

TAMARACK CC<\/strong>
\nGreenwich, CT, USA
\nArchitect: Charles “steam shovel” Banks (1929)
\nMost recent updating: Brian Schneider (2023)
\nFinicky rating: Birdie +<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

My intersection with Tamarack goes back 50 years when the club hosted the area qualifier for the US Junior Amateur. I had played one other Charles Banks course prior to my visit to Connecticut \u2013 the Banks Course at Forsgate in NJ \u2013 and was smitten with the design style one sees with any Banks layout.<\/p>\n

Over the years Tamarack did change – but not for the better. The inane inclusion of trees and other clutter only obscured the inherent qualities of the course. Green sizes shrunk and the “look” of the course took on a more modern appearance than a clear link in concert with its classic architectural roots.<\/p>\n

Smartly, the leadership brought in architect Brian Silva a few years back to assist with matters and his efforts helped. Even more was needed and the club wisely hired Brian Schneider of Renaissance Golf Design.<\/p>\n

\"No.
No. 1 (Courtesy: Rob Dowsley)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I returned to Tamarack just a few weeks ago and was more than impressed by the collective corrective actions implemented.<\/p>\n

Schneider has carried out his assignment in an exemplary manner. First and foremost, the overall scale of the property can now be totally appreciated. The holes are not separated from one another by mindless tree insertions. Now you are marvelously treated to an engrossing visual dynamic. Gazing from the clubhouse out onto the property gets the blood going and the itch to play becomes overwhelming.<\/p>\n

A Banks course is one where boldness and big features need to be fully visible and not hidden. That openness of the property has now been wonderfully resurrected.<\/p>\n

The general routing for Tamarack follows a south\/north and north\/south direction with two major exceptions. The par-3 3rd heads westerly and the finale moves in an easterly direction. Fascinating, how both holes are located side-by-side to one another.<\/p>\n

\"Tamarack
Nos 3 & 4 (Courtesy: Rob Dowsley)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Individual holes weave about in a varying manner with only limited sameness in a general direction. The 13th and 14th and then the 16th and 17th are examples of that.<\/p>\n

As with any Banks course – the size of the greens plays a critical role. Tamarack has large greens – often in excess of 10,000 square feet. The internal contours are vexing because of devilishly subtle movements which are extremely difficult to decipher save for those players having played numerous times.<\/p>\n

Tamarack requires a deft iron play with one’s approaches. If you happen to be consistently facing longish putts you will find the task producing mounting headaches and likely incur three-putts on a regular basis. Within the footprint of the greens is often different sub-sections so it’s imperative to get to those positions on one’s approach shots.<\/p>\n

Pin placements can be quite challenging, especially when placed in the corners. Players seeking to land near such areas had best be mindful of what they must do from an execution standpoint. Failure will most certainly mean scorecard pain.<\/p>\n

\"No.
No. 17 (Courtesy: Rob Dowsley)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Compelling architecture only flourishes when turf preparation is carried out with total details included. Tamarack is fortunate in having veteran superintendent Jeff Scott at the helm. One of the very first things you notice when playing is the absence of overly moist turf. Scott is a believer in keeping playing conditions as firm and fast as possible. This approach keeps the bounce of the ball in the equation for all levels of players and makes strategic decisions even more challenging.<\/p>\n

The other pivotal dimension is the keen maintenance practices employed so that core architectural elements are brought to full life and meaning. You see that most especially through the turf presentation manifesting in the swiftness and utter smoothness of the devilish putting surfaces. Credit Scott and his hard-working team in keeping speeds within reason so all key important pin positions are maintained.<\/p>\n

During my visit I also saw the desire to “recharge” native fescue grasses within different parts of the property. When that happens in 2025 the juxtaposition of the mown areas in contrast to the flanking native grasses will only add to the visual character to the property.<\/p>\n

Tamarack grabs your attention right from the outset. The first four holes provide individual diversity via collective strength. The opening hole forces players to deal with a center-placed fairway bunker adroitly positioned. I am reluctant to use the word “great” because it is applied too liberally but in the metro New York area I rate the opener at Tamarack with the best of them.<\/p>\n

\"No.
No. 2 (Courtesy: Rob Dowsley)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The 2nd was vastly improved by Schneider and players have to negotiate a series of artfully placed fairway bunkers. The tee box was extended and lowered. And the approach is no less challenging with a false front that must be successfully negotiated.<\/p>\n

The 3rd mandates a deft play with a short iron. The green is quite large but as previously outlined, there are different sections and failure to be in the right place will mean an arduous two-putt.<\/p>\n

The 4th is a strong two-shot hole with menacing fairway bunkers lurking for those who get careless off the tee.<\/p>\n

The 5th is the longest hole at Tamarack and when played into the prevailing south \/ southwest wind can be a chore. The uphill 6th beautifully uses the landscape in climbing uphill.<\/p>\n