Shark Lukewarm On Changes To The Lakes, Confirming It's A Success!

Brent Read on the Australian Open layout revamped and revitalized by Mike Clayton and it appears one that is not too well liked by Greg Norman.

Fairways have been widened. Greens have been tricked-up. The concept was to return the club to its roots -- it was established in 1928 -- but the jury is out.

Norman hosted his own tournament at the course five times. He also won his first Australian Open at the venue. Not surprisingly, he has pleasant memories of the layout.
Given his close relationship with the course, Norman was reluctant to give the redesign his full imprimatur yesterday.

"I have really good, fond memories of The Lakes of old," Norman said. "Visually it's a totally different golf course. It looks like it would play a little easier for the pros and harder for the members.

That would make it just like most Norman designs!

"It looks like it's a little wider; it's not as intimidating off the tee."

That's not to say everyone has their doubts over the alterations.

"The changes on the course are fantastic," said Peter Senior, winner of the 1989 Open.

Comments

[Press Agent]

I used to be the Shark's number 1 fan, now I really don't like him at all. The only time he opens his mouth these days is when he's promoting himself, shallow, out-of-touch.....sad really.

[Old Hornet]

Me too Press Agent, in fact his comments on The Lakes revamp makes me wonder if got wind that Mike Clayton & Karrie Webb are scheduled to meet with the IOC.

[Marky Mark]

Maybe Greg is a bit insecure about his "Douchebag" Links on the westcoast of Ireland and his "Junkmeirah" Estates in Dubai.

[Wisconsin Reader]

If we try we can find countless examples of one time champion sportsmen who came to believe their brilliance in playing a sport required them to share that brilliance with the adoring public by answering questions on most any topic. . . It seems too bad to me that Norman has to hurt all of the people associated with "the Lakes renovation.". . . when he could have followed an old tradition of professional golfers - when asked about a golf course they had negative thoughts about - "it is one of the best of this type that I have played."

[fatgoalie]

Well, let's not forget, that one of Greg's idols
was responsible for the Australian right near by.
Maybe that was what Greg was looking for???

<BARF>

[Boyer]

When it rains in Sydney it usually pours. If it is wet it will be interesting to see how aggressive the players are with their lines from the tee. Whether they can play the bailout side and still overcome the difficulty such a strategy postpones onto the approach shot.

I'll also be looking to see how natural the construction work and course presentation are. There's been a lot of rustic stuff in golf the last 15 years or so, but few courses have really pulled it off in my opinion.

[James H.]

Seemed pretty tame to me but go ahead and rip Sharky if it makes you feel better

[Tommy Naccarato]

Greg Who?

[digsouth]

I too am a longtime GN fan, but his self horn tooting has become a bit over the top.

Maybe he should stick to whine.