The Course Report
Renaissance Club
About the Renaissance Club
Renaissance. Rebirth. I’m under the assumption that plenty of fans are under the impression that anytime golf is played in Scotland that the course is from the 1800’s. Yet, this course is modern. A course with contemporary golf in mind in and inspires golfers with historic setting a breath-taking views. The truth is that his course signed it’s 99-year lease in just 2005, and finally opened tee times just three years later in 2008.
The course itself is unique. Much of Scotland is baren of trees, but the Renaissance Club was built on a site that had over 300 acres of pine trees. Beneath those wonderfully placed pines? Pure sand. This course is right on the coast, and weather a spectator or player, the views are going to be timeless at Renaissance.
Yet, unlike its neighbor Muirfield, the course has not had the teeth or grit to cause much concern for scoring. Add the fact that humidity and moisture are often in play in this region, and you’re looking at ideal scoring conditions for these pros. Most of the danger comes from any coastal winds that could cause wayward approach shots. Many of these high scoring tournaments at Renaissance came when the wind was absent. Tread cautiously this week if someone is vehemently talking ridiculous scoring for all four rounds.
Looking at this week evaluating your players based on their ability in the wind is going to be key. Yet, this is a narrative to that is going to be exploited. Make sure to recognize those DP Tour players and elite wind players that are going to be highly targeted.
Lastly, I want to point out that this tournament does precede the oldest major on the PGA Tour. Many will presume that the course will not play as tough as it would be if this were an Open Championship, but so much of the difficulty at the Open is a derivative of the weather and the topography of the course itself. Now the fairways will be wider, and this will be a preparation for the Old Course. Yet, I wouldn’t dismiss it as a course that doesn’t warrant respect. Especially, if they plan on hosting any major Tour events soon.
Three years running as host of the Genesis Scottish Open. We should see a wild ride if the wind holds up this weekend.
Architect: Tom Doak
Greens: Red Fescue with Bent Grass ( I think)
Green Size: Massive Greens (High GIR%)
Stimpmeter: 10-11, slower greens
Length: 7,237 Yards – Par 70
Water Hazards: 3 Come into Play
Bunkers: Too Many
Weather Forecast
Approach Shot Distribution
Past Winners
Frittelli won his first PGA Tour event by shooting a -21 atTPC Deere Run. He outleasted Russell Henley in the final round who shot a solid 61 for sole posession of 2nd place.
There were plenty of players in this field that were looking for their last shot to head to Northern Ireland to compete in The Open Championship.
This was Michael Kim’s weekend, and that might be an understatement. Kim was lights out as he bested the field by 8 strokes by shooting -27.
Kim was in second after round 1, but never looked back after posting a solid 64 in round 2. The highest round Kim posted that weekend was on Sunday when he shot a 66.
He wasn’t as beefed up as he is now, but DeCahmbeau could still win. He dominated on Sunday by shooting 65, and did just enough to beat Patrick Rodgers for the victory.
The win was thanks to a dominant back 9 which led to 3 pars and 6 birdies.
This was a 2-shot win for Ryan Moore as his -22 was good enough to beat the likes of Ben Martin, Meen Whee Kim, Morgan Hoffmann and Ricky Barnes.
The point being, this tournament was lacking star. This is what you get prior to the Open Championship as a wide open field of minimal talent left the tournament open for who ever had the best overall game.
A 12-foot par putt on the 18th holes was enough to outlast Jerry Kelly by a shot.
Knox finished the tournament -14, in spite of the fact that Daniel Berger was a 54-hole leader and Jim Furyk shot a 58, the first in PGA TOUR history.
Streelman closed out the final round with 7 straight birdies, which highlighted his back 9 score of 28.
This was Streelman’s second win on the PGA TOUR, and it was well earned. There were plenty of scorers who had the opportunity to win, and none closer than Sergio Garcia. When it was all finsihed, Streelman was the victor.
Sunday began with Bubba Watson, Charley Hoffman and Graham DeLaet tied for the lead at -10. That would all change by the start of the afternoon.
Ken Duke and Chris Stroud fought tooth and nail for first place, and Stroud even chipped in a birdie on 18 to force a playoff. Duke’s birdie on playoff hole 2 secured the win.
Leishman was dialed in on Sunday as the Aussie shot a bogey-free 62 in the final round to win the tournament by one stroke.
Entering Sunday, Leishamn was 6-storkes behind the leader, but played well enough to get his first win on the PGA TOUR.