Let's talk about the PGA Championship and the unexpected challenges it presented at Aronimink. This golf course, which many thought would be devoured by the players, turned out to be a real test of skill and patience. The gusting winds and treacherous rough made for a tricky two days, and when you add in the PGA's strategic pin placements, it's no wonder scores were high on Friday.
One of the key issues that arose was the slow play, with rounds taking nearly six hours to complete. Aronimink, in its attempt to create a challenging course, inadvertently caused a bottleneck in the middle of the round. The pin placements on the eighth and tenth greens, which were in close proximity, meant players had to wait for both greens to clear before taking their shots. This led to some comical moments, like Rory McIlroy sitting patiently with his eyes closed, waiting for his turn.
The Bottleneck Effect
Aronimink's pin placement strategy created an interesting dilemma. By placing the pins on the edge of the greens and facing each other, they aimed to challenge the players. However, this design choice resulted in a bottleneck, as players on the fairways had to wait for both greens to clear. It doubled the time it took for players to hit their approach shots, causing a backup on the eighth and tenth holes.
This situation highlights the fine line between creating a challenging course and ensuring a smooth flow of play. While Aronimink's intention was to test the players' skills, it's important to consider the practical implications and potential delays that can arise from certain design choices.
Learning from St. Andrews
St. Andrews, with its seven double greens, faces a similar challenge. However, their approach to pin placements offers a valuable lesson. By placing white flags for outbound holes and red flags for inbound holes at opposite ends of the putting surface, St. Andrews maximizes the physical distance between pins. This ensures that groups putting out on one hole don't interfere with players approaching the other.
Additionally, St. Andrews strategically cuts the pin placements away from the natural transit routes between holes. This maintains a seamless flow, allowing groups to play simultaneously on the same green without overlapping or causing delays. It's a clever way to manage the course layout and ensure a smooth and efficient round of golf.
A Lesson for Aronimink
Aronimink can certainly learn from St. Andrews' approach to pin placements. By adopting similar strategies, they can improve the pace of play and create a more enjoyable experience for both the players and spectators. It's all about finding the right balance between challenge and practicality.
Final Thoughts
The PGA Championship at Aronimink has provided an interesting case study in course management. While the course itself presented a tough test, the bottleneck issue highlights the importance of careful planning and consideration. By learning from St. Andrews and implementing strategic pin placements, Aronimink can ensure a smoother and more enjoyable experience for everyone involved. It's a reminder that sometimes, less is more when it comes to course design.
