The Presidents Cup: Where We Play In Whatever Order We Want

by Ryan Ballengee on Oct 6, 2009 5:24 PM EDT

Shane Bacon at Dogs That Chase Cars noticed something that I had only seen in passing in the weeks leading up to the Presidents Cup this weekend at Harding Park. The PGA Tour has rerouted play for the Pres Cup to supposedly give the most exciting match play experienc possible to players and fans. (In other words, they want matches to get past 14 holes.)

So, what did they do? They totally screwed up how the players play the course.

Take a look at a normal Harding Park scorecard - and the one they'll be using this week. Click images to view larger.

Or, perhaps you'd like an aerial view of the routing, which actually makes more sense.

If you don't get the obscure Matt Hasselbeck reference, let me know.

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Hang on, Stat-man ! Now I would have thought YOU, of all people, would love this re-route. They did the math and set up the course so that, theoretically, most of the matches would finish at 18, even if there are two more holes to play. Statistically, most matches end after 16 holes. With this setup, more people in the grandstands at 18, closest to the clubhouse, will see matches get closed out.

It’s a longer walk for the players and galleries – which seems kind of silly.

(hey – I didn’t make this up – I think they ran it through the 9th district appeals court)

"this ball will fit in that fairway"

by courtgolf on Oct 6, 2009 5:37 PM EDT reply actions

In the aerial view, it makes complete sense. It just looks really funny on a scorecard – like they just picked em out of a hat.

Email me any comments or questions at ryan@thegolfnewsnet.com.

by Ryan Ballengee on Oct 6, 2009 6:13 PM EDT reply actions

see ? that’s where we mere mortals need you as Stat-man…to be our cape wearing superhero with the calculator – so we can understand why these things happen.

"this ball will fit in that fairway"

by courtgolf on Oct 6, 2009 6:16 PM EDT up reply actions

The map on the bottom misses one hole.

Only 8 holes are routed for the back 9. I assume that hole 7 would be the 17th in the re-route.

by MOlson on Oct 7, 2009 10:01 AM EDT reply actions

Simplify - For Heaven's Sake?

Play each & every match for 18 holes – humiliation/exultation be damned. Let’s see a record for the former/latter – as long as I’m not actually playing of course.

by WendyUK on Oct 7, 2009 6:05 PM EDT reply actions

now that's just mean !!

Come on Wendy – as a Brit, you can’t possibly want to keep the winners out of the pub to celebrate…or to have the losers buy a pint or a wee dram, can you ? :-)

"this ball will fit in that fairway"

by courtgolf on Oct 7, 2009 6:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Stephen Ames’ 9 & 8 loss to Tiger Woods in the Accenture Match Play would’ve been more embarrassing for Ames if he had to play the last 8 holes. I mean, he got walloped that day!

Email me any comments or questions at ryan@thegolfnewsnet.com.

by Ryan Ballengee on Oct 8, 2009 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions

Let's not talk about some things - OK?

Yes, that one certainly took the biscuit over the old dog licence, didn’t it? I would have tripped over and sprained a wrist/ankle on the next hole had I been Stephen in my scenario (which I wasn’t serious about) – but I don’t recall him making any excuses.

There is to be no mention, repeat NO mention of a certain matchplay event involving my beloved Stewart Cink and THAT man.

CG – I wish we didn’t have 24 hr. pub opening with our binge drinking culture. Woosey wasn’t the most edifying sight at Ryder/Ireland, was he? I wouldn’t begrudge you a pint with a chaser ’though. Cheers!

by WendyUK on Oct 8, 2009 2:09 PM EDT reply actions