The Bloom

Played the Gold Test layout. First off, it is unbelievable how much work has been done for the tree mitigation and clearing. The sad part is many of the old lines are gone or not necessary to throw a ... show more ›

Played the Gold Test layout. First off, it is unbelievable how much work has been done for the tree mitigation and clearing. The sad part is many of the old lines are gone or not necessary to throw anymore. I understand this was probably a hard process, but what was done is incredible. The amount of mulching is insane and it looks great for what it is and I can see the vision of what's being done for pathways and barriers and such.

Most of the new combined long par 4s are great. 1,5,13,21 all very challenging and fun. Hole 2 (old 3) has more options which is nice, but might be a bit soft for bigger arms. The last big one hole 19 feels like it needs something. Maybe a mando forcing it up the path/road. Otherwise it just felt like throwing into a big field then up. That old par 4 was such a fun line. Not sure though, maybe you could force something down towards the old basket and make a par 5?

Hole 12 used to be one of the best lines on the course, now you can just throw a hyzer or throw straight at it. Maybe a mando or something.
Hole 15 feels too easy now, that was always a tight line.
Hole 16 seems solid, but I fear big arms are just going to throw over the top since all the stuff by the tee is gone. It might need a mando on the sides maybe.
Hole 17 looks like there is potentially a longer pin going in?
Hole 18 feels a bit off, even though its only 350ish it plays so long because of the uphill. Feels like it will be a bit of a boring hole in that it will be a birdie for some big arms but just a basic pitch up for par for a lot of the field. Not sure what do do there, but this one also seems like it could be extended to a more interesting par 4.

I will be curious to what others think. I like the blend of having some short techy mountain holes along with some challenging par 4s. Just seems like there are a handful now that could use some help.