Hole Overview

Architects Notes by Gil Hanse

Center line bunkers are often the cause of confusion and consternation to most golfers (much to the delight of golf course architect). The bother comes when a golfer hits a “perfect” shot right down the middle and winds up in a bunker.  While the shot may have been technically and mechanically “perfect,” on this hole it is not a “perfect” shot.  On this hole the perfect shot is either left or right of center, you choose, however straight may cause some problems! This type of variety is a welcome feature on classic courses and it comes at a perfect point in the round on this hole.  By this point the golfer is fully warmed up and his or her skill on the day is realized.  So it comes down to a question of direction, 
distance and bravery.

History

The origin of the historical name “Old Home” recognized the location of the old clubhouse near the present 15th green.

1970 USGA Men’s Amateur Championship… Lanny Wadkins finally found the chink in his foe’s armor when Tom Kite hit his second shot over the green at the 369-yard 15th and into the rough. He left the ball in the rough with his third shot and then took three more shots to get into the hole. The double-bogey, along with Wadkin’s two-putt par from the back fringe, suddenly shot Lanny into a one-stroke lead. He kept it to the finish despite some gripping moments along the way.

1981 USGA Women’s Amateur Championship... Inkster made a tricky 10-foot putt on the 15th to remain tied.

1993 USGA Junior Amateur Championship… After halving #13 and #14, overtime seemed assured. Armour, after a nearly perfect drive, knocked a seven iron onto the green at the 369-yard 15th. He jump-started the match by bombing a 40-foot birdie putt that unnerved Tiger Woods. “I’m glad there was a hole there,” Armour said. “I was just trying to get it close with a chance to fall in. I rammed it right in the heart.” Tiger was momentarily, visibly shaken.