Well I thought I would go down today for some practise schmactise in some good weather schmeather.
Five of the holes have had new felt put down on holes 4, 5, 6, 7 and 17. Hole 4 is ultra slow so you will have to hit harder than you think you need, it's hard to describe but it kind of kicks left after the tee shot. The good news is that regardless of how strong the wind is, we won't be having the problems of Sunday 2013. Holes 5 and 6 are moderate pace. All the tricky second putts on 5 have been almost eliminated and are mainly flat. Hole 7 is slow, slow enough that you can leave the ball on the down slope! Quite a good ace opportunity there now. Hole 17 is the major change with a different base under the lighthouse. It's much narrower but a great ace chance although through the tunnel isn't necessarily the best way to go about it. Some of the more damaged cups have been replaced but you still have to take care as all cups are the standard Crazy Course metal.
Overall, the changes are for the better and the days of the twenty minute hole are gone. I managed my PB today and I really warmed to it. The wind was probably around 15-20mph all day and it was dry. Weather will still play a part. One thing is for sure, there won't be a 21 shot winner this year.