April 17, 2006

CLAYTON, NC — Many field members have been crying for information about the course selected for the 2006 Open Championship. So we sent Jay Dilks down to North Carolina to sit down with a hacker, Jeremy Myers, who has played the course several times and hopefully give some insight on the course preparation.

Dilks: Can you compare the Neuse to Mountain Valley from last year?

Myers: In comparing the Neuse to Mountain Valley, there are obvious elevation differences although the majority of the Neuse is playing uphill. Additionally, that treacherous rough at Mountain Valley isn’t at the Neuse. Although, the Neuse’s rough isn’t anything to sneeze at. It is that Carolina rough that seems to eat club heads and make golfers feel as if they are swing a pool cue vs. a club.

Dilks: Do you think Tanglewood Park over there in Winston-Salem is a familiar style of course?

Myers: Many return golfers will hope that the Neuse will be like Tanglewood Park in Winston-Salem. The Captains Club assures them that they are two very different tracks. The Neuse isn’t as open as Tanglewood Park and there are more hazards to dodge. Tanglewood Park was known to allow golfers who made mistakes a chance to recover. Don’t count on the same favor from the Neuse.

Dilks: Should I bother asking you to compare to Thunder Hill in Ohio?

Myers: Comparing the Neuse to Thunder Hill is like comparing a Honda Civic to a Monster Truck. Thunder Hill is by far the most penal course played in Spackler history. It is hard to believe that only 3 golfers shot 90+ on the back nine. It is also hard to believe the Captains Club could find a course that will make players want to drink more at night then the one in Madison, OH.  The Neuse however, will do its best to make you cry. There are several blind tee boxes, some thick woods, and houses. Yes, houses.  It is guaranteed that someone will be explaining how their ball rolled into a homeowner’s garage.

Dilks: How about the Colonial in 2002?

Myers: The Colonial Golf Club in “Williamburg” is probably the most-like course in Spackler history in comparison to the Neuse, given that, it like comparing the Barry Bonds in Pittsburgh to the one San Francisco today.  They are nothing alike. The Neuse is again more painful to the average golfer and those better golfers will enjoy the challenges they will face.

Dilks: Do you even remember the Big Cats in Myrtle Beach?

Myers: It is unfair to line up The Neuse to the Big Cats from the original Spackler. They were three individual courses with each having unique features.  

Dilks: Anything else?

Myers: If every player were to take a golf cart and simply drive the 18 holes that were to be played prior to their round, it is guaranteed that 80% or more of the field would underestimate The Neuse. Don’t make that mistake. Be prepared. Be worried.

Dilks: I heard Chuck Long played here this winter. Did you know that?

Myers: Yes, I heard his only comment was, "I hope these guys are not playing from the tips. They are going to get killed from back there."

Dilks: Thanks for your time.

Myers: It is the least I can do.