[James Edwards]

Are Grassy hollows as difficult to escape from as Deep Bunkering? are more types of shot required/available from them to get the ball close to the pin?

Yes, I know this is reliant on how thick the grass is etc etc... but I find myself moving towards this greenside 'hazard' or equivalent term...

On courses I have experienced with this feature, Im not as confident from them as from a bunker.

[Tom_Doak]

James:

If your main concern is scoring, then I believe grassy hollows will make the course slightly tougher for the better player, and certainly easier for the 20-handicapper.

Esthetically, they probably don't compare as well.

For me, the other factor working against my using them more often is that there is no telling how they will be maintained over the long term.  I'm assuming you speak of grassy hollows as "rough" grass instead of fairway cut.  I really don't like to use rough as a hazard at all, because there is always the chance that some owner or green chairman will set the rough height at four inches or higher to "defend" the course, and it will be impossible to play.

[mike_beene]

In the same vein,I get tired of long grass around greens,whether in hollows or not.True chipping is a skill and long grass is an equalizer.

[Jim Thompson]

Mike,

Very well put!

I find the tightly mowed collection area pick chip to be the toughest shot on the course as I usually try to get too cute with it.  Imagine that, difficulty that's all in the head.

Cheers!

JT

[Kris Kerr]

If its a greenside hazard, as you say, I'm imagining it would be maintained as fairway cut, and I think these can look quite groovy. Sure, you don't get the same visual contrast as with a bunker, but a bit of variety is a good thing.

[James Edwards]

Tom,

My main concern wasnt scoring, but more as an alternative and variety to what seems to me to be an overwhelming urge to bunker green complexes as well as the added pressure on the maintenance budgets. (believing that hollows wont cost as much as bunkers)

Aesthetically, yes, maybe it wont stand out as much, but I believe that if you contrast the use of the fairway / approach cut hollows and the thicker grassy hollows combined with some sand, then the visual will be equally as powerful.

From a playability point of view I take all your points - yes, the tighter areas are equally as frustrating depending on the elevation change from the hollow to the flag.  I am a definate advocate of using all the clubs in your bag.... especially around the green!

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