ASGCA Past President Predicts
“Narrow” Winged Foot Will Be Tough Test

“This may be one of the most challenging courses in the U.S.,” explains Marzolf. “Missing a green will make it very difficult for players to save par.”

Tom Marzolf, Senior Design Associate with Fazio Golf Course Designers and Immediate Past President of the American Society of Golf Course Architects, says Winged Foot Golf Club will be a tough test for this year’s U.S. Open field.

Marzolf, who has been working with staff at Winged Foot and USGA tournament preparation staff for several years to prepare the Mamaroneck, N.Y. layout for the 2006 U.S. Open, says, “Winged Foot is ready for the Open, but the field may not be ready for this year’s Winged Foot.”

“This may be one of the most challenging courses in the U.S.,” explains Marzolf. “The greens are very small, elevated and have interesting slopes that are bold and fast. If you miss the green on an approach shot, your recovery shot will be from thick, six inch rough. Missing a green will make it very difficult for players to save par.”

He continues, “The course is in great shape, and all the recent rain will make for soft conditions. The winner will be a player who hits a majority of fairways off the tee. All the fairways have been narrowed since the 1997 PGA Championship won by Davis Love III. This may be the narrowest U.S. Open course ever and could yield very high scores.”

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ASGCA Background

Founded in 1946 by 14 leading architects, including Donald Ross and Robert Trent Jones, Sr., the American Society of Golf Course Architects is a non-profit organization comprised of 180 golf course designers located throughout the United States and Canada. Members are actively involved in the design of new courses, the renovation of existing layouts, and issues affecting the future of the game.

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