Rees Jones Comes To His Own Defense
/Ed Sherman talks to the architect about player criticism of his Cog Hill Rees-do and not only does the dreaded examination word come out, but he drags the tour into his mess!
"We designed it be an examination for the players, and that proved to be the case," Mr. Jones said. "It is a championship golf course. The tour doesn't want another Greenbriar (Classic), where the players are shooting 59, 60, 61. Remember there's a reason (Cog Hill No. 4) is called 'Dubsdread.'"
He certainly put the dread back in Dubsdread. Meanwhile, Jones offered this for critic Mickelson.
"Phil was pre-disposed not to like it," Mr. Jones said. "Remember, he never played well there (prior to the redesign). Cog Hill has a lot of trees. You can't go for the pins from the trees."
Mr. Mickelson actually had a strong weekend finishing in a tie for eighth. Mr. Johnson, though, was even better. Mr. Jones was pleased that he won the tournament.
As for Cog Hill's U.S. Open chances?
"I just want (Cog Hill owner Frank Jemsek) to get a U.S. Open," Mr. Jones said. "I don't think this will set us back."
He's right, you can't have a setback when you aren't even on the radar to begin with.
In other Rees news, he tops this week's Shipnuck authored (Not) Hot List.
