- The place is much more intimate than TV can illustrate. The proximity of the 1st and 10th tees, the practice green and the 9th and 18th greens is really surprising. All 5 seem to be within a 70/80 yard radius.
- The TV does not illustrate the undulation of the fairways and greens. The false front on the 9th green is mind blowing. The climb from the fairway bunker on 18 to the green is extremely steep. The 8th must play much longer than 570 yards given the increase in elevation from tee to green.
- Many of the greens are much smaller than they appear on TV. 18 for example is about 60% the size I thought it would be and the drop offs all round very steep
- Although getting a ticket is hard there is absolutely no 'nickel and diming' at ANGC. The Pimento Cheese sandwich is still only $1.50 and a beer is either $3.50 or $3.00. They could probably make millions and millions more if they wanted with only modest price increases at the concession stands but choose not to do so. These guys get it!!
- Same with the merchandising tents. Everything is reasonable. Again, they could jack up the prices just a tad and further line the purses but that would just be out of keeping with their modus operandi.
- Parking is free in the official car parks and no need for a shuttle bus given the proximity. Supposedly they spend boatloads in the past few years acquiring the adjacent properties in order to be able to offer this perk.
- Rory must have hit the worst shot of his life to end up where he did on 10 last year. He progressed less than 100 yards down the fairway and was maybe 30 yards off his intended line when he hit the trees that kicked him another 40/50 yards off line. A total freak occurrence and I doubt if he ever has or ever will hit a shot that bad again.
- Watching players skip shots across the pond on 16 in the practice rounds is pretty special. I didn't witness it but apparently Martin Kaymer made a hole in one this way!
Final thought, how am I ever going to get to play this place??
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