RE-OPENING ON 6th MARCH: Payne’s Valley golf course at Big Cedar Lodge Resort, Missouri. Owner Johnny Morris made the resort one of the top American golf destinations with two short and three full-length courses.
Situated in the beautiful Ozark mountains, Payne’s Valley is named after local hero Payne Stewart, who died in a plane crash in 1999. The public course designed by Tiger Woods’ TGR Design Company originally opened in September 2020, when Tiger and Justin Thomas won a match against Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose.
With breathtaking views from nearly every hole, Payne’s Valley also boasts The “19th a dramatic par-3 ‘bonus hole’ with an island green under a massive 250ft limestone cliff and waterfalls. Weary players are shuttled back to the clubhouse high above, along a cliff-edge and through a labyrinthine natural cave system. Playing the 19th alone might be worth the $225 green fee at Payne’s Valley.
Although he’s out of the Woods, Tiger will probably be doing more designing than playing from now on.
SPEAKING OF ISLAND GREENS, The Stadium Course, TPC Sawgrass has been the venue for the Players Championship since 1982. Constructed on midge-infested waterlogged ground, the palmetto undergrowth was so thick a machete was needed to cut through it.
Designer Pete Dye was a genius at seeing a site’s potential. The first job was to drain the land. PGA Tour commissioner Deane Beman recalls: “Pete walked round the site with me and the project manager and said, ‘Now, on a job like this I walk the land every week checking progress, and change the work if I’m not satisfied.
I’m not like these architects who come out for the groundbreaking, look at the photos and then come back for the grand opening.’ I suddenly said, ‘Pete look out there’s a rattlesnake!’ It was a biggy, coming up the path towards us, rattling. We backed off, grabbing clumps of earth and throwing them at it, which only annoyed it.
After a long five minutes standoff it slithered away. Pete said, ‘Actually, we architects are alike, I’ll see you boys at the grand opening.’ But, of course, he was back the next week.”
Deane asked Dye to design: “Three finishing holes where if someone who is trailing plays aggressively and well, he can win.” He got his wish with the 137 yd. Island green 17th, although Bob Tway, who took 12 on that hole in 2005 would probably disagree.
TAYLOR MADE SAY their new SIM2 driver is packed with the SIM technology that has been proved successful for Dustin Johnson and Jon Rahm. The SIM2 driver has Forged Ring Technology, a full carbon crown and sole, Twist Face and Thru-Slot Speed Pocket, and a milled face and Speed Injection Port which push ball speed to the threshold of the maximum legal limit. No movable weights to tinker with this time.
Still most testers say they look beautiful and sound phenomenal. although some couldn’t distinguish between the SIM2 and SIM2 Max, and both drivers drove the ball just 4yds further than the 2017 M1, if that tempts you to fork out over 400 quid. They concluded that a lot of marketing claims and hype are just that. (how shocking!)
RORY MCILROY, who posted a 16-under 272 in the 2019 Players Championship to defeat Jim Furyk, will return to TPC Sawgrass March 9-14 to defend his title, which he has held for two years thanks to Covid. Rory, who is currently No. 8 in the Official WGR, has never successfully defended a title on tour. Still there’s always a first time, he’ll be using a SIM2 driver, which should make all the difference.
BOB HOPE: “It’s silly to let the game get to you. When I miss a shot I just think what a beautiful day it is. Then I take a deep breath. I have to do that, it gives me the strength to break the club.” Just think of all the stress we haven’t suffered these past months, it should add years to our lives.
Until next time – Happy golfing.
Contact Mick for regripping and repairs. 638 859 475.
