Marzolf On Winged Foot

Plan on hearing NBC laud Tom Fazio's restoration work at Winged Foot, but it's actually been supervised by associate Tom Marzolf, who offered this deep architectural analysis in an ASGCA press release. No, it won't exactly remind you of reading any of Tilly's "gleanings":

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

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.”

Editor’s Note:  A picture of Mr. Marzolf is available upon request. Mr. Marzolf can be reached at (828) 693-0052 for additional comment.