Jemsek Defends Rees, Cog Hill Redo

Ed Sherman says this may be the last BMW/Western Open at Cog Hill due to a variety of issues, including the players' dislike for the Rees-tored Dubsdread course. Frank Jemsek, the eminently likeable fellow who runs the place, says conditioning may have played a role in player negativity (likely) and that Rees simply is a step ahead of the modern game with his changes (not likely).

"What Rees is trying to do is keep up with the best players in the world," Mr. Jemsek said. "He's trying to figure out a way to get a step ahead. When somebody gets a step ahead of me, I know I don't like it.

"Rees tried to build three small greens within a large green (creating a variety of pin locations). If you don't hit it close to the pin, you're going to have to putt over a ridge. That's a putt they don't like. Rees put those ridges in there to make it difficult for them."

Despite the criticism, Mr. Jemsek said he has no regrets about Mr. Jones' redesign. "He did what we wanted him to do: make the course more challenging (for the pros)."