First I would like to say I appreciate the opportunity to "see" & play BETHPAGE but having read a lot of the comments I believe there is a great opportunity to improve the experience.
I agree with the unrealistic club distances, (especially when you rarely get full distance even with a "perfect" swing), detracting from a great challenge at BP. I just shot 73 (previous rounds of 81 & 79), with 22 putts using the starter set & could have shot 67 at best without 2 mishits & 1-putting all 18 greens. I don`t see where upgraded clubs adding 5% distance would make much, if any, difference in my round.
I would like to see realistic club distances & the more flexibility to work the ball, draw/fade/high/low. I am short/170lbs/over 55 & hit my driver 280-300+ yds & my PW 145 yds, (yes the new tecnology is a wonderfull thing). As for the course itself the rough should be less forgiving & the greens much faster, ie subtract at least 1.5-2 ft. per inch of downhill break. This is how the Pros will play the course during the Open. Their skill to hit their shots to the best position for the next shot is what allows them to post a good score, (ie correct side of the fairway for best angle to the pin/ below the pin on the green/ etc.)I would be much happier shooting 81 because " I " played poorly than because I do not have the length to play a 7400 yard course.