is it really not worth the trip to rock hill to check out winthrop if it is not set up for the championships?
Obviously a matter of opinion. Lots of people who live here say it's not worth it. I disagree. If you have followed the USDGC and/or are a fan of it, I think it's worth it. Here are my comments from another thread:
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If you are a fan, it is well worth it to go play Winthrop Gold, even without the ropes.
All the tees and baskets are in position (with the exception of #6 not being on the beach). The concrete and the lake and the fences are all still there. Sure, the rope is missing, but who cares? Imagine the rope is there, and then imagine it even tighter, and at that point you've almost imagined it as tight as it really is. The course is actually a lot more "fun" to play without the rope, and still a good challenge for anyone <970ish.
But the most important thing: Get a map! Or a guide. Or both. The course isn't un-marked, it is MARKED WRONG. It is pretty-much impossible to play the correct holes in the correct order without a thorough understanding of the map.
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As additional info:
- Rope isn't even used on holes 1-8, with the exception of #3 and the right-side of #8.
- Rope is used extensively on 9,10,11,12.
- #13, 888, one of the most famous holes, has no rope.
- 14-18 use rope to some degree (a lot on some, not much on others).
Get a caddybook from last year, and have fun.
Having said all that, the course itself, EVEN SET UP FOR THE USDGC, is NOT awe-striking. It's great, but it's hokey and contrived. I think it's worth it to go see it, but don't be expecting the greatest natural course ever conceived.