GOLF.AI • today

The New Medinah: A 'Nervous' Redesign

The transformation of Medinah Country Club's No. 3 course is more than a simple renovation; it's a strategic reimagining designed to be a psychological weapon for the Presidents Cup. The final catalyst for this radical overhaul was Justin Thomas's dominant 25-under-par victory at the 2019 BMW Championship, a performance that convinced club officials the classic course had become too vulnerable to modern professionals.

Enter OCM Golf, co-founded by International Team Captain Geoff Ogilvy. The firm's redesign almost doubled the fairway area but also dramatically increased the bunker count from 70 to a daunting 117. The most significant changes came on the closing stretch, where the final six holes were completely rerouted to bring the scenic but perilous Lake Kadijah into play, creating a more dramatic and risk-reward-filled finish.

The new philosophy is best exemplified by what designers call the 'funky and nervous' holes. The new 6th hole pushes its fairway and green directly against a split-rail fence marking an out-of-bounds line, making it possible to chip the ball out of play. The 7th hole, a tactical par-five, now features a winding fairway that snakes around a centerline bunker and perilously follows another OB boundary, demanding precision over power.

The changes have been met with approval from players who appreciate strategic design. As Adam Scott noted, "I feel like I understand what it's asking of you." This sentiment confirms the redesign's intent: to create a course reminiscent of Australia's famed Melbourne Sandbelt, where thoughtful play and nerve are rewarded above all else, positioning Medinah itself as a key character in the drama of the Presidents Cup.