The year 2011 begins what will prove to be the Derek di Grazia era. The longtime course designer, Michael Etherington-Smith, has mentored Derek for the past three years, and this year Derek steps out onto the international stage with his first four-star design. I have walked the course, and it is not at all what I had expected. If I were in Derek’s shoes (and I’m glad I’m not), I would have designed a three-star course on steroids. I would have wanted the riders to handle my course easily, gain confidence in my designs and look forward to returning in other years.