The Lakes As A Pre-Presidents Cup Venue

In Golf World Monday, I penned an item about the mini-mini-mini-controversy over The Lakes as a pre-Presidents Cup venue based on Robert Grant story quoting Peter Thomson, who questioning the practicality for Americans playing The Lakes this week in advance of the Presidents Cup.

Casting aside the obvious appearance fee perks, Grant followed up by talking to Geoff Ogilvy, Craig Parry and Mike Clayton about the pluses and minuses of The Lakes.

Clayton on the idea of this week being devoted to playing for one of the world's oldest titles.

"It's a crazy argument to say they [the eight Americans] shouldn't be playing the Open. I mean, what's that about? I think in years to come no one would know who played in The Presidents Cup, but they'll all know who won the 2011 Australian Open. Far be it from me to criticise Peter [Thomson]. Many times I've read what he's written and disagreed with it but then, years on, I've thought, 'Yes, he was right about that.'"

I'll be reporting from The Lakes starting today, with some insights into the course posted ASAP (I'm still getting over driving on the wrong side of the road and 16.5 hours on a plane).

In the meantime, The Lakes offers a super course tour on their website.