EarthGolf

Tiger Woods must have the most efficient usage of time of any human being. He’s a new father, just hosted his own tournament and is preparing for the season’s final two majors. Well, that’s not all - Geoff Shackelford finds in the Washington Post that Tiger is looking at either building his own course in the Washington, D.C. area or possibly renovating a military base course to host his tournament.

The source said that Woods might even be interested in taking an existing military course, either at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland or Fort Belvoir in Virginia, and do the sort of makeover that transformed Bethpage Black on Long Island, a public course in general disrepair, before the 2002 U.S. Open.

First, an aside. Was Bethpage Black really in “general disrepair” before Rees Jones redo prior to the US Open? Or was it in USGA “general disrepair” like Merion currently is and will require “improvements”?

[UPDATE 7/11]: I found an article that describes what Bethpage Black was prior to the redo. Sounds like it was actually in pretty rough shape.

A redo of a public, military facility would be an interesting project. It would be much more appealing than the $20 million redo of TPC Avenel because of Woods apparent commitment to making this an event for persons of the armed services.

In other news, Tiger Woods Dubai is opening three preview holes.

Hole 12, par 3, 181 yards
“Visually it’s very dramatic due to the elevations and vegetation, but it’s also very strategic. It plays over a 30-foot depression of native grasslands and shrubbery to a somewhat crowned green. Pin position will dictate strategy off the tee and club selection will be very important. You are really going to have to think on the tee about your shot, especially if the wind is up.” - Tiger Woods

Hole 17, par 4, 341 yards
“This hole will have a big impact on the finish of the round. It plays slightly uphill but downwind, and presents several strategic choices off the tee. This is a great drivable risk/reward hole that provides an opportunity for birdie or eagle heading into 18. Smart decisions and proper execution will be rewarded, but it will be hard to save par if you make an error.” – Tiger Woods

Hole 18, par 4, 507 yards
“I wanted the finish of the round to be a real test both mentally and physically. It all starts with the tee shot. One option is to challenge the right side of the fairway for a shorter approach to the green, but doing so requires contending with the water and playing over it on the approach. The green is well guarded by the water so golfers will have to decide whether to challenge right side pin positions or play away to the left. Overall, I think if you walk off 18 with a par, you will feel like you made some smart decisions and executed properly.” - Tiger Woods

A lot of mentions of strategery (oops - still in D.C. mode there) - which is good. Looks like Tiger has taken a page from the Pete Dye book - a brutal finishing par 4 with water in play from tee to green.

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