Harvester -- little hoopla but rock solid !

[Doug Siebert]

Chris/Matt,

I suspect the reason we see so much use of the water carry on par 3s as opposed to par 4s and par 5s is because it is seen as more fair for the less accomplished golfer.  Everyone starts out in position A (or at least the same position) with the ball on the tee, etc.  When you do this on a par 4 unless it is a very short par 4 some golfers may be forced into playing it as a par 5, especially if they don't hit their drive well.  Then you have the factors of people playing from rough, behind trees, or even out of a divot hole if everyone is laying up to the same place.

Its only worse on par 5s, plus you take the chance of going for it in two out of play for many golfers who would otherwise have it....the "I can get there with a perfect 3W so what the hell" guys, who feel cheated if they bust a drive and then realize the have to lay up because there's no way they can carry that water.

Doing it on a par 3 is a "signature" shot that everyone plays gives people something in common to talk about.  Everyone has played the shot, but on a par 4 or par 5 everyone played a totally different shot from a totally different place, even if they are of similar skill and hit the ball similar distances.  Look at us GCA members who might like to think we are above falling for this, but what two holes had the pictures posted and has had the most discussion in this thread?

Not that I agree with this, just trying to suss out the logic behind it...

[Paul Payne]

Matt,

Thanks for highlighting the Harvester. It is one of my favorite courses anywhere. I usually get a chance to get down there and play 6 to 10 times per year. I love the course.

As far as water goes, I know there is a fair amount of water on the map but it doesn't come into play as much as you would think. I like this aspect and I think it is because Foster gives enough option and bail out room it is not hard to avoid the water unless you hit a really errant shot, except for the two par 3 holes of course. If you are a slicer #18 could be a bit unnerving but you can go left to try and stay safe.

My favorite par three on the course is #14. It is a challenging longer shot (usually with some kind of wind) and the green is divided in half by a ridge, so you must play the correct side or you are inviting a three putt or worse.

One of my favorite aspects of the course is the greens. all have very interesting contours and a few I think are exceptional. They are also kept in extremely good condition so the roll fast and very true.

I think my favorite green on the course has to be #7. It is a fairly mundane looking hole from the tee, a long sweeping uphill dogleg right. The green however has an evil false front along with a slope off the very back and usually it is very quick. When looking up the hill towards the gren you can see this but it is hard to take enough club to defend yourself against its whim.

Anyone who gets a chance should go, and if you'd like, I'd be happy to see if I could meet you there. I always enjoy bringing people there especially their first time.

[Paul Payne]

BTW,

Matt you are correct there is a greenside bunker on #12 up on the back left.

Also I agree that #3 and #17 are attractive but common par 3 holes. I think there are many better holes on the course.

The only hole I ever question on the entire course is #16. A bit odd I think. nevertheless it is fun to bomb, danger quotient of course.

[Brad Swanson]

Mike;

Moe does so many of these trips and reports for GKL that he finds it amusing to refer to himself thus, and of course we tease him about his constant reference to 'The Wife'. If you want to read a very large series of reports of a lot of courses, go to the Vacation/Travel section of
golfkentuckylinks.com

Moe and his friend Ron Watterson are the creators. Still the best golf website I have found. If you enjoy it, by all means join our forum and tell us about your experiences with golf. We are always interested in stories, even if not in Kentucky or surrounding stats.

Oh, a golf website with a section devoted to beercart girls, where does Brad sign up?  

Cheers,
Brad

[Matt_Ward]

Paul:

I can understand your angst regarding the 16th -- however --I think the hole does present unique issues for the longer / better player because of the tier-effect you face.

The 16th also presents some serious issues to consider on the approach. The green can handle a long approach but it behooves those determined to get nearer to the pin to be as far down the fairway as possible -- hence the impact of the split tier landing zone.

The issue for The Harvester is that too little ink is devoted to courses that are not designed by the so-called top tier or most preferred architects. Keith Foster understands how to create public courses with teeth but in such a way as not to cause the kind of over-emphasis on difficulty that keeps them playable for most.

For those who enjoy The Harvester I would recommend playing Coral Canyon in Hurricane, UT - just outside of St. George as another solid effort worth playing when in the area.

[Paul Payne]

Matt,

He also did a course in St Louis that is located somewhere near the arch. I can't remember the name but I fear it may have had the word "Links" in it. Anyway, have you heard of it or played it? I almost had a chance last time I was there but I ran out of time.

[Doug Ralston]

Gateway National, Paul.

And while you are in St Louis, I have heard good things about Annbriar [Hurdzan]. Anyone here played that one?

Doug