Why the 15th is the new talking point

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What is likely to be the most dramatic hole at this week’s Ryder Cup could be about to change.

What is likely to be the most dramatic hole at this week’s Ryder Cup could be about to change.
Only three of Europe’s 12 players – Rory McIlroy, Lee Westwood and Padraig Harrington – found the green 262 yards away at the driveable par-four 15th.
And with America having the longer hitters, Colin Montgomerie may use his position as home captain to make it slightly easier for his side.
Unlike the Wales Open in June, there is rough instead of fairway just short of the green on the direct line through the trees.
Although Graeme McDowell, the tournament winner three months ago, sank a 50-yard pitch for an eagle two, the set-up was clearly a talking point.
Montgomerie commented: “I felt it was too easy a hole, but we will have a team meeting and the rough might not stay.”
Luke Donald said: “You want to design the course around the strengths of your players. They have some really long hitters that could probably reach that green easily.
“Some of our team probably will struggle to reach if the wind was in our face like it was today.
“It would be nice to go for it (there is the alternative route of playing it as a dogleg) and if there was a little bit of short grass in front of the green it’s a good place for me to aim for sure.
“I would probably be in favour of at least cutting down the rough just a little bit there.”
Edoardo Molinari will almost certainly agree. A search was needed for his ball even though it was only a few paces from the green.
The team meeting will also discuss whether to move up some tees.
The 575-yard 18th, for instance, could be shortened to bring the green – over water – in range in two for more players. McDowell hit two balls in the lake there.

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