[ad_1]
PARIS, France – This is a tradition of the Ryder Cup, at least in Europe: lamenting the course of the hosts; to sigh that it is less than world class; wishing that the European Tour does not depend too much on the match economically, it did not have to sell the venue to the bidder with the deepest pockets.
The moaning ritual has already begun this year, a golf tinnitus that will not go away. He does not know that the transition from recognized masterpieces to resort courses is perfectly coordinated with the success of Europe (and with it the passage of Ryder's disparity to a global phenomenon). He does not take into account the fact that the Tour needs all the euros it can earn this week, as it finances the next four seasons. The roar does not alter the hard financial necessity.
The 2018 National Golf Host Course, designed by Hubert Chesneau and Robert Von Hagge, divides the opinion. For many, probably the majority, this is a Ryder Cup test as good as decades ago, always with the match in mind, with incomparable roller coaster finishes. For some, it is characterized by an artificial threat and modern clothing: if you want thrills, head to Euro Disney.
Each argument could reflect the similarities of the route with the neighboring Château de Versailles: both were fully developed; both have manicured lawns; and while one has an ice gallery, the other has a series of water hazards designed to reflect fear. In the end, both were created to attract attention and dazzle the world.
Whatever your choice, the Albatross course is a very modern exam, but more nuanced than it first appears.
"You have to be patient," said Tommy Fleetwood, winner of the French Open in 2017 and a key member of the European Ryder Cup team.
Course Map
| Hole | By | Yards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 419 |
| 2 | 3 | 210 |
| 3 | 5 | 558 |
| 4 | 4 | 486 |
| 5 | 4 | 405 |
| 6 | 4 | 380 |
| 7 | 4 | 457 |
| 8 | 3 | 208 |
| 9 | 5 | 579 |
| ten | 4 | 375 |
| 11 | 3 | 178 |
| 12 | 4 | 433 |
| 13 | 4 | 415 |
| 14 | 5 | 544 |
| 15 | 4 | 408 |
| 16 | 3 | 177 |
| 17 | 4 | 480 |
| 18 | 4 | 471 |
| By: 71 | ||
The course is renowned for its four-hole stretch, three of which (15, 16 and 18) cross a lake and can be seen from the amphitheater that surrounds them.
For new initiates, the first two holes will not change the perception of water: the first and second holes form a circuit in the opposite direction of the clockwise. of the man who hit him.
Yet between these two sections, water is less of a factor. He is there, but he ceases to be the dominant threat. The trees, nonexistent sooner or later, begin to frame the holes. The hilly terrain is echoed by the lodge-shaped bumps lining the fairways, ideal for huge galleries that will only follow four matches per session for the first two days.
Indeed, "links-like" is a phrase often used to define the test, and if certain visual and shaping elements evoke a seaside course, the lawn folded simple.
What is more apparent is that the course limits players somewhat, Justin Thomas explained during his visit to the Open de France in June, when he finished in eighth place.
"It's up to the hype," said Thomas. "A great golf course, a great golf test, with lots of 3-woods and 5-tees.There's a great bonus to hit the fairway.Once you're there, you can attack some of the holes. "
Spaniard Jon Rahm, rookie of the Ryder Cup with two top 10 to his credit, offered his take.
"It's not long – it's not going to start and hit the driver as hard as you can – it actually makes you think," Rahm said. "It's very difficult, and you really need to hit all the golf shots, but that's just so you're smart enough."
Often, it is not the shorter clubs that are started to avoid the long lawns, but because there is no realistic option with the driver.
If this element of restriction seems familiar, it is perhaps because it echoes the description of TPC Sawgrass by Tiger Woods. Thanks to his clenched teeth, he maintains that the house of the championship of the players calls all the players to go to the same places. It could be a coincidence, but Francesco Molinari, Martin Kaymer and Ian Poulter have great records on both sites.
Thomas considers the test as fair.
"It's not like Augusta, where every part you learn something," Thomas said. "It's all right in front of you, no hidden stuff or anything like that, just a difficult course, you have to make a path and run the blows."
And so, at this final sweep, which perhaps rightly for the last lap of a race takes place almost entirely in front of the entrapped masses, as in a stadium of athletics. This presents wonderful possibilities and potential problems.
Fans can pack the banks to the right of 18, knowing that they will also see 15 and 16, so if a match ends early, they will not have missed. The problem could be that with a lake plumbed in the middle of these three holes, the best part of 50,000 people would be fighting for a glimpse of the action in a very limited space. Many, you doubt, will miss or retreat in the tented village. It will also be a little embarrassing if a disproportionate number of matches end on the 17th.
In the ropes, the players are both excited and terrified by what faces them.
"It's a nightmare waiting to happen on every hole" Tyrrell Hatton said.
Fleetwood has added his thoughts.
"I have trouble thinking of a better result," he said. "You have 24 of the best players in the world, some of the toughest holes in golf, in one of the biggest sporting events in the world, and I would probably like to have my games finished by the age of 15, but I would still be up for the challenge. to play them. "
Thomas accepted.
"The last four holes are excellent," he said. "The wind is also a factor, the 16th is a raised tee and you have to hit a strong gale in a crosswind.
If and when the matches reach 18, the tension will tighten.
"Extremely difficult," said Rahm from the last hole. "A very narrow fairway with problems right and water left.If it's in the wind, it's really a good driver just to have anywhere near to An iron of 7 on an island.Every move is difficult.I must be in the top five that I have played the most.
Thomas was in agreement.
"It's a very discouraging hole," he warned. "Fortunately, the person you play feels exactly the same."
The last challenge? Betting surfaces, whose subtle borrowing often leave players frustrated at the Open de France, with a man who flourishes one year after their appearance completely disconcerted the next day.
Will these greens be deliberately slowed down, a policy largely considered favorable to Europeans? Will the crude be high and close to the fairways for similar reasons? Captain Thomas Bjorn played a direct role in such notions during the Open de France in July, insisting that the configuration will be very similar this week, "The weather allows it".
Source link
