The Rest Of Royal Melbourne: Pure Bliss

I had the distinct joy of walking the final 7 holes of Royal Melbourne's 2011 Composite Course and shot a few videos (links below) which include some insights about some of the more interesting features from local Chris Kane.

After taking in the entire layout, I'm giddy with anticipation, namely because today's Hogan's and Snead's have so rarely played approaches and greens with this melding of firmness and clever design.

For viewers at home, many of the best holes will come early in the round, something touched on by John Huggan in this interview with Mike Clayton looking at the current composite of the East and West.

Nothing is ever perfect, however, and the latest composite is no exception "The problem now is that the very best holes all come along early in the round," points out Clayton. "The most spectacular holes -- 3-4-5-6 West is arguably the best four-hole run in golf other than maybe 11-12-13-14 at St. Andrews -- are all over with before the turn. Which is not to say the course "dies" at the end, but there is no doubt that the later holes are not quite as strong.

"On the up side, the 16th hole on the East course -- a really good par-3 -- is now part of the composite lay-out. And the 2nd West is a really strong finishing hole. So it's all a bit subjective really. All three versions have their plusses ands minuses. The first was the best course but the worst for the spectators. On both the second and third, however, it is a lot easier to create drama and noise and atmosphere."

I personally like all of the matches going through the best holes because it's never very satisfying when great holes are not reached. That said, there are some beauties along the finishing stretch, including the par-4 11th where my favorite green resides on the property. Watch this short 4 to see some truly wild and weird shots.

As for the green complexes, Greg Norman is right (no, not: “Royal Melbourne will give you a look up her skirt and shut you down very, very quickly."): you are wise to look at every hole from behind the green.

It's so rare when you see golf course photos from behind greens showing much, but at Royal Melbourne I'm constantly wanting to take in the greens from the rear view and seeing so many elements that were not evident from other angles. It speaks to just how complex many of the greens are and just vital local knowledge will be.

As for videos, here's what I Tweeted Wednesday:

A very shaky look at the bunker maintenance at Royal Melbourne where the faces are raked with a board to promote firmness.

Video take from behind 11th at Royal Melbourne, normally 1East and one of the most best greens on the course...or anywhere.

Here's a heads up for when you might see someone drive into the 17th fairway for the 16th hole. Not sure the players will think this way, but anything's possible.