Another event that is co-sanctioned by both the PGA and the DP World Tour, the Barracuda Championship, will run opposite the final major of the season this week at Tahoe Mountain Club. Last year was enjoyable, with a bet on Akshay making up for me betting on anyone but Harman at the Open, and I’m certainly adding this one to my list of tournaments I’d love to attend, given the chill vibes and eclectic scenery.
Also, we’ll be using Modified Stableford scoring (how that works later on), so the leaderboard is going to look a little wonky.
Tahoe Mountain Club (Old Greenwood)
This Jack Nicklaus design is at elevation; we’ll be close to 6,000′ up this week.
Tournament Set-up
Par: 35-36–71
Yardage: 7,480
Stimpmeter: 11
Course Statistics
Average Green Size: 5,300 sq. ft.
Acres of Fairway: 32
Acres of Rough: 55
Number of Sand Bunkers: 95
Number of Water Hazards: 6
Number of Holes Water is in Play: 6
Turfgrass
Greens: Bentgrass / Poa annua .100”
Collars: Bentgrass / Poa annua .350”
Approaches: Bentgrass / Poa annua .350”
Tees: Bentgrass / Poa annua .360
Fairways: Bentgrass / Poa annua .360
Rough: Bluegrass 2.5”
There are plenty of rolling hills and lots of bunkering, but with the added element of the elevation, fair-sized fairways, and very large greens, scoring has been easy. This is the fifth year we’ve been here, and we have seen winning scores of 39, 50, 43, & 40 over the past four revivals.
We have seen windy conditions temper scoring in the past. The 2022 winner, Chez Reavie, only scored six points in his final round in the tough conditions (the record for a single round here is 22 points).
Odds Board
Killa Keith is up top, along with the Canadian, Pendrith, and the new guy. One thing to possibly consider is the travel from Scotland for a few of these guys who teed it up last week at the Renaissance.
Key Stats
Driving accuracy will still help with the altitude, helping everyone with distance. While you can’t get in massive trouble here, it’s still a tourney where you need an outsized amount of scoring opportunities if you want to compete.
Proximity may be a good one to consider for approach, with the large greens bumping everyone’s GIR%. Everyone is going to look a bit better in the ball-striking categories. I’m looking for golfers who can really fire some darts and give themselves short looks at birdies over and over.
Scoring on easy courses, birdies or better in general, and maybe even a small dose of SG: Putting on these bent/poa greens as well.
I built a quick model using those stats and ended up with a few fun names up among the tourney favorites. I’ve been J.J. Spaun in the past, and at 40/1 or better here, I may just have to again.
How Does Modified Stableford Work?
Unique and not often used, the Modified Stableford’s key component is rewarding aggressive play. A Bogey will only lose you one point, while a birdie gains you two. An eagle? FIVE!
If there is ever a question of “should I go for this green?” The scoring system simply answers that question for you.
Double eagle: 8 points
Eagle: 5 points
Birdie: 2 points
Par: 0 points
Bogey:-1 point
Double (or worse): -3 points