No. 15 (Courtesy: Rob Dowsley)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nAnother highlight comes with the “new” 16th. The previous short par-4 hole was lame \u2014 pedestrian in its requirements. Schneider smartly added bunkers and elevated the green site. Players have to successfully maneuver the tee shot into the proper position. The presence of the green also dovetails with the Banks style. Birdies are possible – so are bogeys for those asleep on execution.<\/p>\n
The penultimate hole provides the last really good birdie opportunity. The drive needs to move slightly on a left-to-right ball flight. Strong players can get to the green in two shots but once again a false front awaits those not able to get beyond the leading front edge.<\/p>\n
The only downside is that both the 5th and 17th parallel one another and follow a similar direction, albeit with vastly different total lengths.<\/p>\nNo.7 (Courtesy: Rob Dowsley)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe concluding hole is a real tiger not easily tamed and possessing sharp claws. The 469-yard hole moves uphill with a series of bunkers awaiting on both sides in the fairway. Those driving to the center\/right of the fairway will face a blind second shot. Those driving to the far left of the fairway may catch a glimpse if long enough up the hill.<\/p>\n
The green is perilous and needs to be approached carefully. The putting surface tilts in a big-time manner from right-to-left. Should you miss on the right side and the pin is placed on that same side your last name had best be Ballesteros if you plan on securing a par.<\/p>\n
Where does Tamarack rate in the Nutmeg State? For years Yale has been conceding the top spot but the New Haven club is now undergoing massive updating by Gil Hanse. For me, the jury is out for now until the finished product can be thoroughly examined.<\/p>\nNo. 16 (Courtesy: Rob Dowsley)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nSo where is the competition?<\/p>\n
The leading candidate for the top spot now is Wee Burn. The Darien club successfully hosted this year’s Met Open and is one of the most underrated Devereux Emmet designs.<\/p>\n
Tamarack secures the runner-up spot given the comprehensive nature of the work done. A number of clubs are seeking to improve themselves. Doing it properly and smartly can be a tricky road to navigate.<\/p>\n
Kudos to the club leadership in hiring such talented individuals and letting them do what they do best.<\/p>\n
Architectural connoisseurs should check it out if time and circumstances permit. You will not be disappointed.
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\n\n\n\nRatings Guide<\/h4>\nDouble eagle<\/strong> \u2014 Compelling architecture of the highest order. Your heart will be pounding with exhilaration.<\/p>\nEagle<\/strong> – Flies high in the clouds, consistent variety with strategic holes of note.<\/p>\nBirdie +<\/strong> – Engaging design with occasional moments of memorable triumph.<\/p>\nBirdie<\/strong> – Quality architecture with only momentary lapses in standout holes.<\/p>\nPar<\/strong> – Enjoyable to play but generally vanilla in overall character.<\/p>\nBogey<\/strong> – Shows fleeting promise but offers pedestrian holes that rarely rise above mediocrity.<\/p>\nDouble-bogey<\/strong> – A total mistake – in need of upgrades on hole design and related conditioning snafus.<\/p>\nTriple-bogey<\/strong> – A mess – avoid wasting your time and money.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n |