EDS-Byron Nelson 2-Course Set-Up

[FrankoSport]

Greetings ...

I just had a thought ...

The field at the EDS-Byron Nelson Classic is 156. For the first two rounds, players will play one round at Cottonwood Valley, the other at TPC-Four Seasons.

You have 78 players at each venue. There are a few pairing options available, as follows --

Off 1st tee only-twosomes (2 x 39 x 2 = 156)
Off 1st tee only-threesomes (3 x 26 x 2 = 156)
Off 1st & 10th tees-twosomes (2 x 19 x 4 = 152 + 2 extra twosomes = 156)
Off 1st & 10th tees-threesomes (3 x 13 x 4 = 156)

Given the two-course setup, one would think they could invite 12 or 24 additional players, making for a field of 168 or 180, and still be able to play the first two rounds without too much trouble - other than rain or nuclear attack!

So, here's how it would go for fields of 168 and 180

Off 1st tee only-twosomes: (2 x 42 x 2 = 168) (2 x 45 x 2 = 180)
Off 1st tee only-threesomes (3 x 28 x 2 = 168) (3 x 30 x 2 = 180)
Off 1st & 10th tees-twosomes (2 x 21 x 4 = 168) (2 x 22 x 4 = 176 plus 2 extra twosomes = 180)
Off 1st & 10th tees-threesomes (3 x 14 x 4 = 168) (3 x 15 x 4 = 180)

 

[FanofHogan]

I live and work in the DFW area. Always prefered The Colonial over the Byron Nelson at the TPC. The TPC is pretty much a hit it and go find it course. They have tried to toughen it up some over the past few years, but as long as Cottonwood Valley is in the equation it cheapens that tournament in my opinion. Cottonwood Valley is typically the easiest course they will play on all year. Granted it is only for one round but I still wish they would reduce the field so the tournament could be played solely on the TPC.

 

[drewitgolf]

The problem with adding additional players is the transition when groups are sent off the first and tenth. Generally, twosomes tee off in eigth minute intervals, threesomes in ten minute intervals. Throw in a few starters times to avoid back logs for the actual time times and their will be a hold up when groups make the turn.

Sending additional groups off the first tee only will require approximately six hours under ideal conditions. If the first group is teeing off at 8:00 that means the last will tee off at 2:00 and finish at 7:00 (?). That maybe cutting it too close, especially when the tour hates to to make the cut on Saturday rather than friday.