Tour News
Luke Donald disses “modern” courses, praises traditional layouts
Luke Donald, who finished 22nd at the Valspar Championship, tweeted after his round, “This Florida swing is a grind! #parsaregood.” He then fired off a tweet that’s garnered considerably more attention.
The Northwestern University alum added:
Love that the traditional courses are holding their own. Honda -9, Doral -12, Valspar -7? Modern architects take note!
— Luke Donald (@LukeDonald) March 13, 2016
A first point here. Donald got some flack in the Twitterverse for the apparent insinuation that the 2014 Gil Hanse-redesigned Trump National Doral is “traditional” course, and further, that any of the courses are “traditional,” in a classic/Golden Era sense. We’ll let Donald clarify.
My point was that Doral is a modern course designed to be really tough, yet the older courses hold their own https://t.co/OgHhg8EmeP — Luke Donald (@LukeDonald) March 13, 2016
When Golfweek’s Bradley S. Klein expressed indignation that any of the courses — the most recent of which was built in 1962 — would be characterized as “traditional,” Donald clarified.
“Traditional in the sense they were built before the technology boom where ball go far!”
So, he’s holding up Doral on the one side and PGA National, Innisbrook on the other. And by “traditional” he means prior to, probably, the metal-wood era.
Before digging into the debate, let’s look at the length element. Here are the yardages to which the courses played this year.
- PGA National (Champion): Par 70: 7,140
- Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead): Par 71: 7,340
- Trump National Doral: Par 72: 7,543
And the scoring averages to par…
- PGA National (Champion) +1.768
- Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead) +1.618
- Trump National Doral +0.854
And regarding construction: PGA National’s Champion Course was designed by George and Tom Fazio 1981. Re-grassed last year, the Nicklaus Company reworked the course twice. Innisbrook’s Copperhead course was designed by Larry Packard in 1972, and was re-grassed last year. Trump National Doral, a 1962 Dick Wilson design, was renovated by Gil Hanse in 2013-14.
There’s no debating that all three courses play tough: The tracks comprise three of the four most difficult venues of the 23 tracks played this year. In 2015, PGA National was the fourth-toughest course (+1.832), Innisbrook was the 10th (+0.863).
An interesting question as well: Players were clearly uncomfortable with the slower green speeds at both the Champion Course and the Copperhead Course. And seemed to have difficulty with the new bunker sand at the latter. After maturation yields Bermuda putting surfaces and bunkers they’re more comfortable with, will scores improve significantly or negligibly?
And a second question: The Champion Course and Doral were both substantially redone. However, there are aesthetic/design similarities between the Champion Course and the Copperhead Course that aren’t shared with water-laden Trump National Doral. Still, do you buy Donald’s distinction between “modern” Doral and “traditional” Innisbrook and PGA National?
Golf course architecture enthusiasts, debate!
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Tour Photo Galleries
Photos from the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
GolfWRX is on site this week in McKinney, Texas, at the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson (FKA the AT&T Byron Nelson).
Last year at TPC Craig Ranch, Jason Day ended a five-year winless streak. J-Day is in the field again, as are Jordan Spieth, Tom Kim, and Will Zalatoris.
We have our usual assortment of general galleries, WITBs, and pullout albums for your perusal. As always, we’ll continue to add links to additional albums as they make their way to us from the Lone Star State.
Check out links to all our photos below.
General Albums
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Monday #1
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Monday #2
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Tuesday #1
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Tuesday #2
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Tuesday #3
WITB Albums
- Pierceson Coody – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Kris Kim – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- David Nyfjall – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Adrien Dumont de Chassart – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Jarred Jetter – North Texas PGA Section Champ – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Richy Werenski – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Wesley Bryan – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Parker Coody – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Peter Kuest – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Blaine Hale, Jr. – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Kelly Kraft – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Rico Hoey – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Pullout Albums
- Adam Scott’s 2 new custom L.A.B. Golf putters – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Scotty Cameron putters – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Ben Griffin playing Maxfli golf ball
See what GolfWRXers are saying in the forums.
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Tour Photo Galleries
Photos from the 2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans
GolfWRX is live on site this week at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans for the PGA Tour’s one-and-only two-man team event.
As usual, general galleries, WITBs, and pullout albums — including some pretty spicy custom putters and headcovers — await your viewing.
Be sure to check back for more photos from the Big Easy, as we’ll continue to update this page with additional galleries throughout the week.
General Albums
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Monday #1
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Monday #2
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Tuesday #1
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Tuesday #2
WITB Albums
- Alex Fitzpatrick – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Austin Cook – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Alejandro Tosti – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Davis Riley – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- MJ Daffue – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Nate Lashley – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- James Nicholas – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Kevin Streelman – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Rasmus Hojgaard – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Tom Whitney – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- SangMoon Bae – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Daniel Berger – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Rory McIlroy – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Russ Cochrane – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Aldrich Potgieter – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Steve Stricker WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Drew Brees WITB (Legendary New Orleans Saints QB) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Derek Carr (New Orleans Saints QB) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Thriston Lawrence WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
Pullout Albums
- MJ Daffue’s custom Cameron putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Cameron putters – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Swag covers ( a few custom for Nick Hardy) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Custom Bettinardi covers for Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Doug Ghim’s custom Cameron putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Patrick Cantlay spotted testing a Scotty Cameron blade putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
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Tour Photo Galleries
Photos from the 2024 RBC Heritage
GolfWRX is on site this week at Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island for the RBC Heritage. Plenty of golfers who competed in the Masters last week will be making the quick turnaround in the Lowcountry of South Carolina as the Heritage is again one of the Tour’s Signature Events.
We have general albums for you to check out, as well as plenty of WITBs — including Justin Thomas and Justin Rose.
We’ll continue to update as more photos flow in from SC.
Check out links to all our photos, below.
General Albums
- 2024 RBC Heritage – Monday #1
- 2024 RBC Heritage – Monday #2
- 2024 RBC Heritage – Tuesday #1
- 2024 RBC Heritage – Tuesday #2
WITB Albums
- Justin Thomas – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Justin Rose – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Chandler Phillips – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Nick Dunlap – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Thomas Detry – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Austin Eckroat – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Xander Schauffele – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Jason Day – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Will Zalatoris – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Patrick Cantlay – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Ludvig Aberg – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Collin Morikawa – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Sam Burns – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Stephen Jaeger – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
Pullout Albums
- Wyndham Clark’s Odyssey putter – 2024 RBC Heritage
- JT’s new Cameron putter – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Justin Thomas testing new Titleist 2 wood – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Cameron putters – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Odyssey putter with triple track alignment aid – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Scotty Cameron The Blk Box putting alignment aid/training aid – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Cameron putter – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Odyssey Ai One Eleven T putters – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Christian Bezuidenhout – testing new Callaway Ti 340 mini driver – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Rory McIlroy testing the new TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver Copper – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Xander Schauffele testing the Callaway Ti 340 mini driver & the DUW – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Byeong Hun An, two new L.A.B. Golf putter builds with “T” alignment – 2024 RBC Heritage
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NikkoAZ15
Mar 22, 2016 at 11:47 pm
Luke play to your strengths. Take a look at Zach Johnson for example he knows he’s not the longest player in the feild but he attacks the course from 100 yards and in. Caugh…Caugh..something you did when you were world number 1.#Course Management
larrybud
Mar 21, 2016 at 11:34 am
Funny how when Phil trashes “modern” courses everybody ignores the fact that he can still bomb it out there (top 40 of driving distance).
Of course LD is right. The trend of modern courses equal ridiculous expense to keep them going, which results in higher greens fees.
Johny Thunder
Mar 15, 2016 at 8:27 pm
Luke’s Tweets do not amount to a “diss”. Lovely that Golfwrx is firmly in the sensationalist school of media, taking lessons perhaps from Fox News.
Tom
Mar 21, 2016 at 10:55 am
Or CNN,CBS,ABC …..
rc
Mar 15, 2016 at 7:52 pm
Anyone know what Mizuno iron he’s got in that photo…
MP____???
KK
Mar 15, 2016 at 7:27 pm
LOL, of course he loves traditional courses. Luke is short and crooked off the tee compared to the top players. But then, he has not been in the group of top players in 4 or 5 years.
Ted Frick
Mar 15, 2016 at 11:57 am
I think a perfect example of this is Merion for the US Open, under 7000 yards and it was of the best and most exciting US Opens there has been for a while. Also all the players enjoyed playing it.
SC
Mar 15, 2016 at 9:43 am
Luke has won the Valspar (I believe it was the PODS when he won) at Copperhead before and was in contention a few other times in the past before the changes, so I can see his thoughts about “Traditional vs Modern” courses. I live a 3 wood away from the Innisbrook resort and have played it multiple times. When the owners decided the revamp the course after last years tournament, the area was drenched by feet of rain over the start and middle of the rebuild, and the contractors had to start over in some areas. Hat’s off to them for getting the course ready for the tournament. As far as Luke’s thoughts and most of his peers regarding the bunkers and greens, they were playing heavier and slower than in years past. I noticed several players struggling from both these spots as well. Florida has a rich history of golf and in the county that the Innisbrook Resort resides we have 5 original Donald Ross golf courses, not to mention that one was the first private course in all of Florida. Innisbrook plays hard because of the terrain, it’s very hilly and unlike a lot of courses in Florida. The course being all Bermudagrass and Tif Dwarf greens is not easy and I personally like seeing the changes affect the players so they don’t run away with ridiculous scores. I’ve played Doral, National (in the Honda pro-am) and Bayhill this week and you won’t find a tougher, nicer, risk reward set of courses on the PGA tour. Florida swing!!
Nor
Mar 15, 2016 at 8:49 am
Well, this is one article regarding social media usage I can get behind.
Additional information and background provided was great. Thanks, Ben!
ooffa
Mar 15, 2016 at 8:15 am
Luke Who? Haven’t seen that name in a while. Dude is way past his prime. Shuffle off Luke. Tee it up with the seniors already. Three day tournaments, shorter courses, you might even drive it past a few of those old guys.
larrybud
Mar 21, 2016 at 11:32 am
lol, he’s 38 years old, in the top 100 in the world. Never knew anybody who had a bug up their butt about LD.
Walter
Mar 14, 2016 at 9:56 pm
Luke may be mad he has been chasing distance for the last few years with little success.
mike
Mar 14, 2016 at 1:18 pm
well of course a shorter hitter on tour is not going to like a longer lay out. This isnt really news at all
George
Mar 14, 2016 at 1:18 pm
I prefer traditional layouts. I’ve played courses with water left and right of the Driver landing zone, where I had to hit a shorter club from the tee just to leave a 3W into the green. WTH! Classic Links courses don’t need a lot of water hazards or even huge bunkers. Just tighten the fairways and let the rough decide. There’s a reason why the US Open is more interesting than the usual bomb and dart-throwing.
M....
Mar 14, 2016 at 12:25 pm
lol @ mitch. You wish you were .05% the golfer Luke Donald is.
mitch
Mar 14, 2016 at 1:23 pm
@m…. well me and luke have won the same amount of tourneys in the past couple years so ya we are on the same level.
mlecuni
Mar 14, 2016 at 3:24 pm
i’m not familiar with your name, Are you also a former world number 1 golfer ?
mitch
Mar 14, 2016 at 12:21 pm
keep crying Luke! That is what you are best at!
Mark Moser
Mar 14, 2016 at 1:12 pm
Another whining European Player!!! Stay on your side of the pond!!
mlecuni
Mar 14, 2016 at 3:19 pm
Did you both have read mr donald tweets ? Since when expressing an opinion is crying or whining ?
Jimmeh
Mar 14, 2016 at 5:22 pm
You guys have to win the Ryder Cup somehow, right? 😉
RG
Mar 14, 2016 at 1:16 pm
No, what he’s best at is getting the ball up and down. He’s also absolutely right that traditional tracks like Riviera can still hold up and that longer is not always better. You are absolutely a joke…